Since Gilbert and Sullivan’s works shed the shackles of having to reproduce past D’Oyly Carte staging there have been many interesting interpretations plus a few dire ones. It could be argued that none have been as bold or work as brilliantly as this all-male version.

Set below the deck of a Second World War battleship during a lull in activity, the crew perform for their own amusement Gilbert and Sullivan’s tale of love between social classes.

Simple staging allows plenty of witty invention without losing respect. No attempt is made to put men in full drag for the female roles – costumes come from life vests, scarves and head bows. The transition from butch sailors to sisters, cousins and aunts is sheer delight.

The whole piece is sung exceedingly well with particular praise going to Alan Richardson and Alex Weatherhill for their falsetto singing as Josephine and Buttercup. Comedy comes from David McKechnie as Sir Joseph, while Richard Russell Edwards is gloriously camp as first cousin Hebe.

Lizzi Gee’s clever choreography is outstanding, using PE routines and gymnastics to great effect.

The lack of an orchestra disappoints at first but solo piano accompaniment does mean lyrics can be heard with clarity.