A stunning opening tab-leau of ladies in blue shaded period dresses and their evening-dressed escorts, viewed through a muslin curtain, set the tone for a superb evening's entertainment.

An excellent cast was led by Patricia Head in the title role, who used her fine voice and acting to create a most desirable lady. Her future husband, Count Danilo, acted by Martin Jones, characterised convincingly, and scenes between the eventual partners were most effective.

Their closing duet I love you was expressively sung and led to a happy ending with the full chorus and company on stage.

Paul Thompson as Baron Zeta was most distinguished, and his wife Valencienne, played by Caroline Causier, flirted with another! Camille de Rosillon, sung with fervour by Wilhelm Theunissen was her willing amour.

All the other actors were splendid, especially the seven men who fancied themselves as suitors for Hanna (the Widow). Their performance of Women, Women.... was choreographed and delivered with perfect timing and humour.

The beginning of act three was again notable for it's magnificent first scene, this time dressed in red and black.

Beautiful dancing by a group of youthful ladies featured in national dress for the Pontevedrian party, and as sexy can-can dancers for the cabaret.

The accompaniment was by an orchestra conducted by Donald Hunt, who was the overall, very capable musical director.

Paul Milton was director of the show, which played to a capacity first night audience enjoying a flawless, ideally timed, polished performance.

The Merry Widow continues until tomorrow (Saturday).

JILL HOPKINS.