ALISON CROOSE What a way to celebrate a 50th anniversary. West Norfolk Gilbert and Sullivan Society, renowned for their high standards, stepped up another gear to mark their milestone year.

ALISON CROOSE

What a way to celebrate a 50th anniversary. West Norfolk Gilbert and Sullivan Society, renowned for their high standards, stepped up another gear to mark their milestone year.

Director Andrew Nicklin fearlessly crossed barriers of innovation. The orchestra – directed by Fraser Goulding – occupied one side of the stalls and a stage extension permitted dramatic entrances from the auditorium of the Corn Exchange. It was an adventurous move that created scope for theatrical impression. The opportunity for spectacle was exploited to great effect and the effort put into the staging was matched by the high calibre of the performance, especially the singing of both principals and chorus. The duets and quartets were particularly well executed.

With strong casting, lavish costumes and authentic make-up, all the delights of G and S could be enjoyed to the full – not least the mischievous fun, such as the hilarious, topical wording given to “I've got a little list”.

The cast was strong throughout – from the powerful Mikado (Anil Chakrabarti), the dramatic presence of Katisha (Amanda Arterton), the cockney Ko-Ko (John Torr) and the imperious Pooh-Bah (Peter Kenyon) to the gentler characters of Nanki-Poo (Julian Ransom) and Yum-Yum (Annette Wase). Adding vigour were Pitti-Sing (Rachel Johnson), Peep-Bo (Sharon Brindle) and Pish-Tush (Peter Duffey).

t The Mikado continues until Saturday February 8. Box office: 01553 764864.