NOT necessarily appreciated by Gilbert and Sullivan purists, this jazzed-up version of their Japanese musical was every bit as good as we expect from this company.

With a great-looking set designed by Julian Peckham (a truly memorable Ko-Ko), and Jonathan Spratt’s red-hot orchestra, we were in for a treat.

The marriage-plans of Yum-Yum (the excellent Stephanie Jones) and flirtatious Nanki-Poo (Jack McGill), hit a snag, involving a beheading (for him) and burialalive (for her).

In a very strong cast, Ian Rix is a rubber-faced Pooh-Bah, Michael Leggett sings well as Pish-Tush and Dave Wischuusen is a charismatic Mikado. Louise Daly steals the second-act as Katisha, the highlight being her solo Alone And Yet Alive.

Yum-Yum’s partners as the Three Little Maids from School, take the honours vocally; Abbie Gray (Pitti-Sing) and the luminous Joanna Dey (Peep-Bo).

Choreographer Cindy Wischuusen and director Chrissie Peckham deserve great credit for a top-quality show.