Artiste: Alistair Sutherland

Some good singing performances can't overcome a dated feeling of Gilbert's humour: the evening improves as the storm clouds gather.

Natascha Metherell relocates the action to an Italian film studio of the 1950s, which looks great but brings problems. 

A tight production from Martin Lloyd-Evans together with a strong cast and loving treatment from conductor Matthew Kofi Waldren made a strong case for more regular performances of this neglected gem.