HMS Pinafore and Trial By Jury – Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateurs

THE WIZARD of Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateur Operatic Society, Michael Lofthouse, gave us a wonderful evening onMonday.

The national anthem followed the habitual recital of fire regulations and was sung so lustily by the audience that the operatic chorus on stage would have to look to their laurels.

And sure enough the crew of HMS Pinafore most certainly did.

First though, the orchestra conducted by Pam Dimbleby gave a cracking performance of the overture.

Then first on stage was a special treat: Janine McAndrew as Little Buttercup singing as usual so beautifully.

Robert Driver was the young hero in love with the captain's daughter, not too sure of himself. Ian Dobson as Dick Deadeye in a wheelchair made his mark with an awkward brand of criticism, nicely sung in Act 2 alongside Garry Colgan as the Boatswain's Mate making the most of some of Sullivan's best music.

Father and daughter John Ramsden and Amy Ellison acted and spoke well with meaningful ease, though sang with rather unnecessary force.

It was left to Roly Robertshaw, an old favourite as the First Lord of Admiralty, to join the fray. His singing, acting and manner is a joy.

Trial by Jury concluded the evening, splendidly done. Roly was the judge, inspiring the remaining cast to give of their best: Eric Stow a persistent Foreman of the Jury, Bill Bairstow a patient Usher, David Robinson's robust tenor as the Defendant and a distraught Felicity Todd as the Plaintiff.

• Until Saturday, including Saturday matinee. Call to 01535 643425 check ticket availability.

John Pettitt