"The Sorcerer" by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

St Peter's Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Ravenshead.

Ravenshead Village Hall.

Due to a busier than usual week, Saturday afternoon is the only time I've been able to see this production; and I couldn't wait as I'd not seen "The Sorcerer" previously.

I love a good old Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, and it's been too long since I indulged myself, so thank goodness that St Peter's Gilbert & Sullivan Society invited me along to see this year's choice of Gilbert and Sullivan.

It may sound strange but Gilbert & Sullivan were, to me anyway, the 1800's equivalent of Stock, Aitken & Waterman. Their songs from their operettas are instantly recognisable as being from them. They have a style and sound of their own, which is what made Stock, Aitken & Waterman the hitmakers of the 80's and 90's; tuneful, memorable and an instantly recognisable sound.

"The Sorcerer" was the British duo's third operatic collaboration. "The Sorcerer" is based on a Christmas story, "An Elixir of Love", that Gilbert wrote for The Graphic magazine in 1876. A young man, Alexis, is obsessed with the idea of love levelling all ranks and social distinctions. To promote his beliefs, he invites the proprietor of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers, to brew a love potion. This causes everyone in the village to fall in love with the first person they see and results in the pairing of comically mismatched couples. In the end, Wells must sacrifice his life to break the spell.

There's no need for me to tell you that every performer has a fabulous voice as that goes without saying; it's not just anybody who gets taken on by a Gilbert and Sullivan Society, you know!

Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, an elderly Baronet, is played by John Carter.

Alexis, his son, is played by Andrew Rushton, who I last saw as Nanki Poo in St Peter's production of "The Mikado". 

Dr Daly, Vicar of Ploverleigh is played by Max Taylor.

The Notary is played by Chris Kenny in his first Principal role for the society.

Lady Sangazure, a Lady of Ancient Lineage, is played by George Lee.

Aline, her Daughter, betrothed to Alexis, is played by Joanne Kay, who I've known for a few years now and has the most beautiful of voices and so right for Gilbert and Sullivan's work. 

Mrs. Partlet, a Pew Opener, which by the way is someone in charge of the keys for a church and its' pew boxes, is played by Jane Stubbs. 

Constance, her Daughter is played by Helen Kirk, who is also the wardrobe mistress.

John Wellington Wells, of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers is played by James Dean. Now, I've saved James until the last Principal because, by the reaction of the audience, James was the show favourite. One of the most entertaining and comical magician was of course the legendary Tommy Cooper, so who else to channel for this titular role. James even does a quick Tommy Cooper routine for his final bow.

There's also a massive Chorus of Villagers that flood the stage and they are.....

Angela Eminson (Lady Psyche), Bev Footit (Ralph, the Gardener), Cynthia Marriott (Ruth Penzance), Dawn McGlasham (Zara dramleigh), Helen Taylor (Elsie Maynard), Honor Eldred ((Lady Isobel Stanley), Honor Grantham (Casilda), Isabel Buchan (Iolanthe), Jan Hodgetts (Gianetta), Karen Turner (Lady Blanche), Lynda Tongue (Leila Goldbury), Louisa Sparkle (Zorah), Malcolm Swift (Wilfred Shadbolt), Nona Sheriston (Lady Saphir), Par Summerfield (Lady Sophy), Peter Dowling (Willis), Ralph Tongue (Murgatroyd), Rosie Riley (Ella Grosvenor), Stephen Chaytow (Colonel Calverley), Tom Levey (Arthur Fitzbattleaxe), Tony Pinchbeck (Wilfred Fairfax) and Val Green (Lady Kate Stanley).

The three young village boys were played brilliantly by Frederick Lee, Frank Lee and Charlie Marsh.

The young dancers were Polly Napthine, Hatti Watson, Charlotte Farnie, Kacie Jepson and Jasmine Beeton.

Stephen Godward is the Stage and Musical Director, and what he doesn't know about this art form really is not worth knowing. Stephen also knows what an audience wants and how to insert that into Gilbert and Sullivan. For instance, in a scene with Alexis and Wells, there is a quick section regarding the cost of the love potion where Alexis advises that he has a Tesco Clubcard, to which The Sorcerer advises that he can get 25% reduction. I imagine that the infusion of Tommy Cooper into the character may also have been Stephen's doing, as well as the Chesterfield mention, almost making sections feel almost like a pantomime.

"The Sorcerer" isn't that well known, but is just as humorous as any Gilbert and Sullivan production with plenty of comedy moments interspersed throughout. From the very start with the anagrams made from the word "Congratulations", through to James Dean coming on stage at the end to sweep up and perform his final homage to Tommy Cooper, this show entertains on every level. Musically, it's up there with the best of them, and what I also loved to see was that, for a lesser known Gilbert and Sullivan piece, Ravenshead Village Hall was absolutely packed, showing the incredible loyalty of their fan base.

Musical accompaniment was thanks to pianist Chris Flint.

The wonderful set design is also down to Stephen Godward.

Fantastic costumes, thanks to Helen Kirk, assisted by Cynthia Marriott, Pat Summerfield, Dawn McGlashan, Louisa Sparkle, Angela Eminson, Jane Stubbs and Carolyn Tolliday.

Lighting was by Darren Cresswell.

I attended the final performance of "The Sorcerer" on Saturday afternoon, but watch out for their next production.