A groan rang around the auditorium as a pre-curtain announcement told of the indisposition of John Savident, Coronation Street’s Fred Elliott. However, the disappointment of his fans should not have lasted long, for his replacement as Sir Joseph Porter, Gareth Jones, was superb.

Carl Rosa Opera is a regular visitor to Sussex, with their lively takes on Gilbert and Sullivan’s well-known pieces. The company has a reputation for quality and this production is stamped with it.

The plot has a dig at class and social standing as it tells of the love of a lowly sailor for the daughter of his captain. It also relates the rise of an office junior through a business partnership and political connections to the position of First Lord of the Admiralty. As Sir Joseph says, “A partnership is the only ship that I’ve ever been in.”

The fine singing, clear diction and sense of comedy displayed by Gareth Jones is matched by that of Wyn Pencarreg’s Captain Corcoran.

As the young lovers, Olivia Safe looks and sings like an angel but Jeremy Finch slightly disappoints with his muted singing and his dishevelled appearance.

The stubble he sports does not enhance the required image of a handsome hero.

The presence of the accomplished Beverley Klein as Little Buttercup is an added bonus. As ever, she is sheer delight both vocally and for comedy.

Lastly, a word of praise must be given to the ensemble.

The excellence of their singing provides the framework of the production.

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