The Sorcerer, Pocket G&S, Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Totton (From Daily Echo)

The Sorcerer, Pocket G&S, Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Totton

10:28am Thursday 24th November 2011 in Curtain Call By Alan Johns

IN this early Gilbert & Sullivan work actor/director David Tatnall once again delivers a winning production, in which Mark Ponsford (Rev Dr Daly) deserves an early credit for his hilarious performance in this tale of love potions leading to unexpected couplings. Running him close was Annie Tatnall, vocal clarity itself in her role as Aline Sangazure, and David Putley as Alexis Pointdexter, whose love for her is unrequited.

Pointdexter enlists the help of ‘cheeky-chappie’ J Wellington- Wells (Shaun Dodimead), who prescribes a potion that makes people fall in love with the first person they see when they awake, (think Midsummer Night’s Dream on a grander scale). The results had the capacity audience rolling with laughter, with Vicky Wilson (excellent as demureturned- predatory Lady Sangazure), Katherine Evans (Constance) and Anne Croudass (Mrs Partlet) all worthy of mention.

Keziah Jacombs enhanced her own reputation as musical director, leading a talented seven-piece ‘band’.