Saturday - don't miss BLODS' last night

Not in the restrictively traditional sense. But what Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society director Tony Harris has done with this week's enterprising and innovative De La Warr Pavilion production is just what Gilbert and Sullivan did in their day.

By weaving in contemporary issues and lampooning them he is simply transposing the G and S gift for satire into the 21st Century.

Does it work?

Judging by the response from Wednesday's first-night audience, re-writing song lyrics to reflect today's Honours Lists does exactly what G and S did - hits the nail on the head.

This production is packed with two essential G and S ingredients - quality singing complemented by plenty of laughs.

It is blessed with four well-cast principals whose performances are evenly matched and who head a cast packed with talent.

It is backed by tuneful and energetic chorus.

It is well-dressed, colourful and, thanks to musical director Andy Gill, is also a harmoniously enjoyable treat.

It is inventive, giving the musicians a minor acting role! The Ainsley Herriott spoof features the score-cards held up by the orchestra from their pit.

The two lost princes Marco and Guiseppe are capably played by Mark Stevens and Richard Beale.

Playing opposite to equally good effect are Julie George as Giannetta and Cathy Brown as Tessa.

Tireless director Tony Harris also doubles as the Duke of Plaza Toro, proving convincingly that he is master of both roles.

Carol Rallings carries off the role of the Duchess with wry humour.

Charlotte Collyer brings experience gained with the Glyndebourne Youth Opera to her portrayal of Casilda.

Taking one's first principal role in a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta can be a daunting experience. But Darrell Willis sings his way convincingly into Casilda's heart.

Derek Kemp has sung the role of Grand Inquisitor with Battle Light Opera Group and reprises his Don Alhambra with ease for the BLODS.

Being a gondolier in this show can be hazardous. One of the heartiest laughs elicted from Wednesday's first-nighters came when Jaws lunged from the depths of the canal!

A hapless boatman rowed to the final curtain with a pirate-style hook'¦

There are concluding performances on Saturday - plenty of time to catch a production of a time-honoured favourite which has been sympathetically and enthusiastically given a 2007 cutting-edge.