Dear Sir,

On Thursday, October 1, I attended the opening night performance of The Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone, directed by Joel Froomkin and music maestro Philip Shute.

I went in knowing nothing about The Drowsy Chaperone and was apprehensive about a show where sleepiness was implied in the title.

I’ll admit, having never heard of the show, I went last night chiefly because I have friends in the cast and, as one that has tread the boards a few times myself, I wanted to support my fellow actors. Knowing the talent involved, I expected a competent effort but not something whose songs are still playing in my head the next morning and whose comic antics raise a hearty chuckle as I remember them while writing this.

Their production of The Drowsy Chaperone was quite simply one of the finest musicals I have ever seen, anywhere. That show, with that cast, could appear on Broadway tomorrow and stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr Mistoffelees, Jean Valjean and that hoary old Phantom of the Opera.

I expected a musical and I certainly got that, but I did not expect to laugh until my jaw ached. I loved it and the audience clearly loved it, as evidenced by the thunderous applause after each song and the standing ovation at the end.

The Drowsy Chaperone is family-friendly, big-hearted and hysterically funny. Those involved deserve a sell-out run. It runs until October 10 and tickets are available online. Please consider going to see “The Greatest Show That Hardly Anyone Has Heard Of”. It really is something very special indeed.

I will not name names because I would have to write a ridiculously long letter extolling a lot of virtues. Instead, I will just say to everyone involved — director, cast, crew, musicians, producers — well done. And thank you!

STEPHEN NOTMAN

Paget