Sets and costumes can stand scrutiny. The Major-General's daughters are Edwardian lovelies in white with frilly parasols. The pirates have curls and moustaches, and sport tricorn hats or kerchiefs on their heads. Christopher Saunders's dishy Fred wears body-hugging velvet trousers, gold waistcoat and sash. David Gibson conducts Sullivan's unforgettable music with affection and care.
Voices stand out more, which is a plus.
The three old hands are excellent. Richard Suart's Major-General Stanley does an immaculate patter song and later moderates somewhat his relish for feeling guilty. Jill Pert's Ruth is classic. Gareth Jones's Sergeant of Police generates the right mood for the continuing tarantara and gentle satire. It's a pity Nicholas Todorovic's Pirate King is camp and vocally lightweight, but Saunders is an excellent Fred, a promising young Australian opera singer who should go far.