The Argus: fringe_2011_logo_red_thumb“From bias free of every kind,” sings the court usher in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial By Jury, desperately attempting to retain order in a ludicrous suit for breach of promise.

But bias is something that neither this critic nor most of the audience can possibly escape.

Gilbert and Sullivan are national treasures and all good performances are greeted with the rapture of finding an old friend, whose bits of business are hallowed by tradition and affection.

Tony Jaffe’s semi-staged and bewhiskered production, in the perfect Old Courtroom setting, met every expectation.

The New Sussex Opera Company provided the rousing chorus of jurymen and supportive bridesmaids as well as their répétiteur and musical director Nick Milner-Gulland.

Soloists were Jennifer Aird, fetching as the abandoned bride and the wonderful Anthony Hawgood, perfectly frightful as the caddish defendant.

Andrew Connal hilariously invested his usher with pained resignation, while Michael Kennedy sang with contrasting gravitas.

But a Gilbertian Lord High Everything Else was Tony Jaffe, who had not only inspired the Old Courtroom as a Fringe venue, but found himself singing the role of the Judge at very short notice.

Jaffe’s singspiel patter, benign lechery and actorly charm saved the day – singing so merrily, trial la law.

* 9pm (May 26 - May 29), £7/£6. Call 01273 917272