Gilbert and Sullivan

New Zealand Listener, Volume 18, Issue 466, 28 May 1948, Page 8

Gilbert and Sullivan

PERFECT programme, nobly planned," is my lyrical comment on the first Gilbert and Sullivan programme from 2YA on a recent Friday. With almost lavish disregard of the time factor we had an hour-and-a-quarter altogether, the first 15 minutes devoted to an introductory talk by Sir Malcolm Sargent, whose chatty microphone manner and happy selection of anecdote suggest that should he tire of the podium the BBC would gladly enfold him in its corporate bosom. Sir Malcolm was a very fitting persqn to introduce the series, since he fell in love with the operas at a very early age and conducted his first performance of The Gondoliers at the age of 16. In so far as falling in love at an early age is concerned he is typical of the G. and S. fan, though few of us have the chance to serve our ideal in such a practical manner, our role being the more passive one of standing and waiting at gallery doors. The programme itself, "the story of a great partnership," must have presented -certain technical difficulties to author Leslie Baily, since, like the mother of twins, he is expected to keep a firm grip on Gilbert and display him to an admiring audience while keeping half an eye on little Sullivan to make sure he doesn’t stray quite out of the picture, and must then give little Sullivan his share of the limelight without losing touch with little Gilbert. (Next week, when the two get together, the problem will be simpler.) As it was, the two heroes managed their boxing and coxing without doorway collisions, thanks to Mr. Baily’s skilful work behind scenes, > ~