THE curtains opened to a beautiful set as the pirates burst onto the stage, led by the Pirate King (David Tatnall), who gave a commanding performance throughout.

Frederic (Steven Lilly) portrayed his conflict of loyalty to the pirates and love for Mabel (Annie Masters) in a well acted performance.

Mabel gave a near perfect performance as she soared and swooped through the music and professed her love for Frederic and her father, The Major General (Richard Chamberlain).

Supported by an ensemble of daughters, pirates and policemen, there was some nice choreography (Jo Short) and the large cast made good use of the stage. More could have been made of the gentle comedy intended for the policemen, but the pirates were swashbuckling and the daughters simpering, as G&S intended! Superb costumes and a great orchestra added to this traditional and enjoyable G&S.

Rebecca Case.

Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society The Point, Eastleigh