THE GONDOLIERS, The Olympian O.S, Eastwood Theatre, Glasgow, 6 November 1978.

This young but experienced company put all their enthusiasm and love of G & S into this production and came out with a superbly happy show. Producer and Duke, Walter Paul, was excellent at sustaining the action and fun. His diction was perfect and the comic business leading up to and during, "Courtier grave & serious" was very funny. Also of particular note was David Blackwood's Don Alhambra. This young man's vocal and visual resemblance to Kenneth Sandford is quite remarkable and was aided by the Don's costumes being virtually the same as DOC 's. He played the part à la Ken Sandford. Andrew Bryce (Marco) and Ron McVeigh (Giuseppe) were in fine voice as were Joyce Somerville (Tessa) and Shiela Nelson (Gianetta). Mhairi Richards' Duchess looked a little too young but was most regal in her crinoline in the second half. Casilda (Ann Inglis) and Luis (John Ballantine), made a handsome young couple, singing with feeling. MD. Elizabeth Waller kept the music flowing. The sets were made by the Society and were simple but effective. Costumes were in the Victorian style for the principals, the well-drilled chorus being variously attired as the need arose. The Chorus work throughout was very good, especially in the Cachucha, when everybody was really enjoying themselves. The opening of the play was most impressive, the curtains opened at the end of the Overture to a predawn scene with the chorus stage lights gradually brought up as day dawned and the chorus filtered on. LINDA WOOD

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