George Forrest and Robert Wright, who had reset the melodies of Edvard Grieg for Song of Norway, adapted themes by Alexander Borodin to create Kismet in 1953. This Arabian Nights-style folktale talked like a comedy, dressed like a burlesque skit and sang like an operetta. Director Nora Howcroft has made sure the essential elements are retained or this classy, colourful, grown-up musical.

As Hajj, the Beggar poet who ends up as Wazir of Baghdad via several astonishing twists of fate, Steve Benson gives his usual impeccable mixture of quietly confident acting and musical presence to carry the story, along with Lalume, played with mischievous, vampish delight by Adrienne Wormald. Don Fairclough is excellent as the insidious villain Wazir, while Don Howcroft is superb as sanguine court poet Omar Khayyam.

The signature tune of Kismet, Stranger in Paradise, is delivered with show-stopping perfection by Lindsay Farnworth as Marsinah and David Griffiths as the Caliph, and their quartet of And This Is My Beloved, with Benson and Fairclough, makes you hold your breath in case you miss any of it.

There is wonderful support from David Reeves as Jawan and Mike Fallon as the Chief Policeman, as well as glorious orchestration from MD Steve Taylor and downright funky choreography by Barbara Martin.

Nigel McFarlane

A show which `tests the ‘mettle' of any society and one that many do not tackle due to its convoluted plot and difficult music. However, much credit must go to producer, Nora Howcroft, and the company for such a proficient production.

The production was backed by a well constructed multi-purpose set which allowed continuity and completed with sumptuous colourful costumes. Just occasionally the music got a little out of sync. However, the orchestra was generally well controlled by musical director, Steve Taylor.

Steve Benson produced a faultless performance as Hajj as he demonstrated his `magic powers' to the Wazir whose flighty and titillating wife, Lalume, was played with relish by Adrienne Wormald. Don Fairclough seems to have a penchant for comedy as he effectively demonstrated in his excellent portrayal of the blustering Wazir whilst Lindsay Farnworth sang `Stranger in Paradise', amongst others, beautifully as Marsinah. The body language of David Griffiths rather belied his status as the Caliph; however, he sang very well as did Mike Fallon as the Chief Policeman.

There was good support from David Reeves as the imposing Jawan and Don Howcroft as the court poet Omar Khayyam. Choreographer, Barbara Martin devised some good routines which the Princesses of Ababu, Jess Barnett, Elizabeth Pycroft and Charlotte Fallon danced very well. Congratulations on another fine production.

Glyn Neary