One man, two voices and a cast of Gilbertian characters in a Fringe Show that defies description. Not theatre, cabaret, opera, comedy or drama but a unique distillation by a unique artist.
Swirling a pink umbrella, Martin Milnes sang Mabel better than any Savoyard soprano, the role that got him into falsetto singing in the first place.
Echoing the part, the Buxton producer in 2008 had asked if there was one – yes, one – Mabel in the house, never expecting it would be a strong male tenor. Moreover, one who could make every word count and every note heard.
Martin Milnes’ passion for Gilbert and Sullivan lit up his radiant performance. It illuminated the pastiche libretto and the opening burlesque: it made possible his almost incredible feat of singing the quartet from the Gondoliers by rapidly criss-crossing the stage and remembering which Gondolieri is wooing who.
It sparked off two Bab Ballads and brought forth some unfamiliar music from the Grand Duke which deserves it.
Wondrously accompanied by Milnes’ regular pianist John Howells, and promoted by Sussex Gilbert and Sullivan Society impresario Melvyn Tarran, Martin Milnes received a deservedly ecstatic reception of joy and rapture unconfined.
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