The Gondoliers

Synopsis

Two just-married gondoliers are summoned to Barataria as one of them is the King of that country - but no one knows which one! They travel there to reign jointly and bring peace out of disunity, leaving their wives behind. A fine romp full of life and vivacity.

Our Review:

2 May 2003

At the beginning of the 21st century, Gilbert and Sullivan have found a real champion in director Martin Duncan. Having recently provided us with a spanking new Busby Berkley-ish version of HMS Pinafore, he has now turned his attention to the equally daft, but irresistibly charming, The Gondoliers. And what a kick-start it is, to the new Venetian-themed Chichester season.

The story of The Gondoliers, which satirises both the aristocracy and snobbery in all grades of society, follows Gilbert's favourite theme of topsy-turvydom. "I am told", said he, "that the public like the topsy-turvy best, so this time they are going to get it" and indeed we do. The plot focuses on two newly married gondoliers, one of whom (but no one knows which) is the true King of the neverland island of Barataria.

Featuring cartoon Italians, down at heel Spanish nobles and a Grand Inquisitor of Dickensian proportions, this production is set (by [As...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14) - 7 July 2003:

On the contrary, I thought the "new" verse for "Small Titles" hilarious - G&S would have heartily approved. A magical evening!...

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