I remarked in my 1984 Iolanthe review that I didn't care for the Stratford production of The Gondoliers when I first saw it. I also said that it had been years ago when I did see it initially. So following watching that performance, and having mixed views I re-watched this performance hoping that it would be better. And it was, so much so that I am shocked at how initially wrong I was. I can't really explain the reasoning for my indifference towards this production at first, maybe it was because I wasn't as into Gilbert and Sullivan as I am now, maybe I didn't understand the dialogue or lyrics or maybe I wasn't charmed by the story. As it now stands, I happen to love G&S, some of the stories of their operettas are on the ridiculous side but the catchy melodies and witty dialogue and lyrics more than make amends, and that is exactly the case with The Gondoliers. I much preferred this Gondoliers over the Iolanthe, part of the reasoning is that I do personally prefer The Gondoliers as an operetta, and also it is more respectful towards its material, any alterations to the score, dialogue or lyrics are not as bad here, the stage business is not overdone and the acting generally is much more subtle. That is surprisingly especially true of Eric Donkin, whose Duke is actually funny without being pedantic or hammy. The costumes and sets are beautiful and creative, and the orchestration, conducting and chorus are first rate. The staging is appropriately exuberant, and the performances are great. Some may find the casting of a man in the role of the Duchess odd, I did see that done to great effect in the Opera Australia production but convinced myself that was a unique one-off. That said, Douglas Chamberlain characterises splendidly and while not as effective vocally, the contralto demands are difficult enough for a woman and the tone is occasionally forced with Chamberlain. John Keane and Paul Massel(also better here than he was in Iolanthe) are appealing as Marco and Giuseppe, and Richard McMillan is the embodiment of a good man caught in a bad profession as Alhambra. In conclusion, so much better than I remembered. I am glad I gave another chance, though here's to hoping that Stratford's Mikado is also better than on first glance. 9/10 Bethany Cox
