... Duet discovery TER's new recording of HMS Pinafore (CDTER2 1259) is of the production which was so successful at the Savoy Theatre at the beginning of this year, with John Owen Edwards conducting. The cast, however, with some exceptions, is largely different notably Gordon Sandison, as Sir Joseph Porter, a better singer than Sam Kelly, though more heavy-handed with the comedy, as might be ...

... Where the Rivers Meet Sadler's Wells For almost 20 years, Grand Union has successfully followed linked careers as a multi-instrumentalist ensemble and a backbone for larger-scale community shows. Both mix traditions and cultures, serving them up for as wide an audience as possible. As a show this falls into the community half and as such it must be praised for its vision and scale. Big band ...

... Make 'Em Laugh Shanklin, Isle of Wight This is a welcome innovation for Shanklin Theatre's summer entertainment programme. It upholds real seaside holiday traditions, particularly with an abundance of comedy and even a few sketches. The seven-strong company work well together, and the production numbers are really effective. James Pellow hosts the show and proves there is much more to him ...

... The Big Big Laughter Show Blackpool Producer Duggie Chapman's contribution to the North Pier's summer season features The Grumbleweeds at the top of the bill. Founder members Graham Walker and Robin Colvill are joined by established solo act Tony Jo in a trio that has become a firm Blackpool favourite. They are the perfect combination of fairly straight man, natural clown and talented ...

... New McBroom sweeps through Pizza on the Park Amanda McBroom Returning to London's premier cabaret spot, Amanda McBroom's programme consisted almost entirely of her own songs. The sole exception was Marieke, one of Jacques Brel and Eric Blau's most potent numbers, which received a spectacularly theatrical reading. McBroom is in a completely different class now from most of the other cabaret ...

... Sondheim First & Last Covent Garden Festival: Peacock Theatre Stephen Sondheim is 70 and suddenly the world seems autumnal. Those witty lyrics with warm, open American vowels for 'love', 'alone' and 'tomorrow' now resonate more poignantly on the complex melodic line. This BBC birthday concert, devised by Julia Makenzie for future broadcasting on Radio 3, celebrated overtures and finales the ...

... Consummate ease Strand Hank Marvin Now domiciled in Australia and having enjoyed hit record status throughout four decades, Hank Marvin shows no sign of fatigue on this the 50th date of a two- month European tour. Smartly attired, he demon- strats his mastery of the tremolo sound on the Fender Stratocaster by executing clear harmonious guitar picking on a whole range of melodies. The ...

... Punk's roar down to a mumble BY JOHN MARTLAND Those Radio 2 listeners of a certain age who responded angrily to a recently leaked document which revealed that anyone born before 1945 can no longer regard themselves as part of the station's target audience, will no doubt have steered well clear of Anarchy in the UK (BBC Scotland for R2, Saturday, June 3). In the first of this twopart story ...

... Work's red letter day London Coliseum Nixon in China Doubts might be expressed as to whether John Adams' opera about the historic visit in 1972 of President Nixon to meet Mao Tse-tung in China is still of relevance or interest to present-day audiences. The first London staging of Peter Sellars' production, almost as significant in operatic terms as the meeting itself, proves that it is. Times ...

... National Opera Studio: Showcase 2000 Queen Elizabeth Hall Stephen Medcalf staged this year's NOS event, with its thirties- style costumes including male characters in a variety of Nazi- looking uniforms. Designer Jamie Vartan had created a well with steps to one side which ascended to an upper battlement walk on the other two. The stage ambience was singularly sinister and curious, producing ...

... Night at the Music Hall Scarborough A mixture of young talent and seasoned performers come together to provide an excellent combination at the Spa where British Stage Productions is again presenting this summer's run. Dave Peters of City Varieties fame shines in his various solo spots and in the comedy routines with cast members. He is particu larly good in character as an old woman working ...

... Jazz Triple Bill Royal Opera House Birmingham Royal Ballet s London season showcased three outstanding David Bintley programmes, his take on Petipas Giselle and the eternal summer of Arthur: Part I, plus this delicious evening of Jazz ballets. From an audience viewpoint, it opened uncertainly with a revival of Balanchine's Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, taken directly from the musical comedy ...