It is a charm that defies adequate description - the music of Sullivan is entrancing and the lyrics of Gilbert extremely witty – but these ageing works have an enduring and endearing essence that is unique in the history of popular entertainment.

To capture and portray that essence is the challenge that faces any performer of these glorious songs.

But seasoned performer Gordon Peters and his musicmaker David Carter certainly did so in The Humour of Gilbert and Sullivan at the Guildhall Theatre on Thursday, July 10, a gentle ramble through some of the rollicking patter songs that have captured the hearts of successive generations in a show that is part fireside chat, history lesson, parade of anecdotes, jokey interludes and jolly singalong.

While Gordon sang the verses - in minimalistic fashion adopting the various character roles merely with the change of a hat - all were invited to join in the choruses, song sheets thoughtfully provided.
Those choruses were led by a few members of Grantham Operatic Society, planted in the audience as a fail-safe device against whispering seat-sinkers. But they became merely the kick-start because the audience was more than willing to wrap their tonsils around the simple tum-te-tum choruses that are a hallmark of the G&S operettas. And what a fine sound they made.

That this is a wholly new show, is clearly evident. There are cracks in the plaster yet to be filled, it lacked a little slickness in parts, and there were a few bumbles and burbles – not surprising with the massive word count of these songs – but any perceived slight imperfections merely added to the seeming spontaneity of it all.

One of the great joys of theatre is to watch a fine professional such as Gordon ply his trade, to study body-language, delivery, timing, diction – he has a cultured speaking voice and a fine singing voice – and, when things do go wrong, how a lifetime's experience instinctively kicks in to incorporate little gaffes into the show.

It can still be tough if the audience is inflexible or unforgiving, but pre-show these Guildhall 'guinea-pigs' were bubbling with expectation and determined to have an evening of fun come what may.

There was a lovely atmosphere in the auditorium and Gordon, who looks the most unassuming person to be on stage, merely had to turn up the wick with a chirpy opening patter, a little nudge-nudge, wink-wink humour and a consummate ability to press the giggle button. He has the delicious ability to give an air of sophistication one moment and be a cheeky, naughty boy the next.

Those who saw these two fine performers in their show of Flanders and Swann music at the theatre last year will have had an inkling what to expect of this new show. Those who didn't no doubt will have been won over by a laid-back evening of fine entertainment.

Therein may lay the secret of Gilbert and Sullivan's works - they cast a happy spell from which you do not want to seek release.