A very colourful energetic opening immediately grabbing the attention of the audience and creating the feeling of actually being in a Cornish fishing village.

Some wonderful bridesmaids who brought fun to the production. Their energy gave the production such a sense of purpose and their antics were at all times so entertaining. The opening chorus was particularly successful and they gave great support to Dame Hannah during her first aria.

Rose Maybud's first entrance was cleverly underlined by three yokels who certainly did their bit to emphasise Gilbert's words.

Throughout there was always good establishing of characters all of whom left us in no doubt as to the contribution their character was to make.

An impressive entrance by the gentleman's chorus which brought an added dimension to the piece. The stage was filled with colour and how good the chorus looked and sounded.

The Act I finale had some delightful moments. The presentation of both bride and groom had great charm. The minuet was simply and sedately done and so vividly shattered by the Despard henchman.

The celebration stick dancers in the final moments of Act I were great fun. Everyone enjoyed the skill and to have that skill destroyed in front of their eyes by Robin was a clever piece of theatre.

I do hope that in future productions the director will avoid setting solo and duet work so far back on the stage. To transmit emotion or romance over such a wide empty area is a very difficult task.

The smoke machine was a mistake as the operator could easily be seen and thus the illusion was shattered. However the ghostly gallery was well presented although at the finale I was surprised to see village maidens following ghosts from the portraits. Chorus member only entrance should have been through the arches each side of the stage.

The scene in Act II between Robin and Old Adam was extended to the degree of creating total boredom.

The flag curtain calls was a lovely idea. A sensitive movement that was greatly appreciated.

At the end of my adjudication it is my custom to talk personally to the performers. After a couple of sentences a member of the company started making announcements and so in mid-sentence I left the stage at such rudeness. Whether you like an adjudicator or not you do afford him some courtesy. This exhibition of bad manners did not impress me.

Good attention to the quality of the music and also its interpretation. Harmonies and blending of voices was usually very good although the duet 'The battle roar is over' did go awry at times. Frivolous choruses were given a light touch and the heavy dramatic sections the depth of drama necessary. A very well sung Act I finale and some beautiful tones in the finale. The ghosts were especially impressive.
 

A Mixed bunch of costumes with nearly all being helpful to the characters and the piece. Some bizarre bridesmaids and some striking bucks and blades. The ghosts were really stunning and a jolly good mix of periods.
 

On first sighting timid, shy and awkward and he coped well with a difficult first entrance. A successful gentle, nervous opening duet with Rose. I liked his bravado in the scenes with Dick Dauntless and his energy never flagged. In Act II some of the dialogue was too extended and needed tightening up.
 

Despite not having the height to make a frightening first appearance he quickly established himself as a nasty person not to be trifled with. It was a good idea to give him henchmen to add a fearsome quality to the role. A very good grasp of the dialogue and how well he used his eyes. His Act II characterisation was especially amusing and beautifully controlled.
 

A gentle study which needed extra direction to make a greater impact. So anxious to please.
 
 

He looked impressive, indeed he looked the perfect Sir Roderic. Used his cloak well to establish his character. Some initial vocal insecurity but nevertheless a strong vivid portrayal. Some lovely tender moments in his duet with Dame Hannah.
 

A strong physical Mad Margaret with a wild fey quality. A good voice but a little more vocal energy was necessary to move along the opening sequence. Some good wild moments and even more successful restrained ones in act II. A realistically interpreted duet and trio in the second act.

A warm kind characterisation. So believable. Her aria was dramatically presented. Very good diction and her storytelling done with such skill.
 

Two delightful studies. Lots of mischief and lots of fun.