Stage review - The Mikado at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday).

LIVELY, lovely, lavish and literally stunning performances all round to provide a gloriously upbeat evening.

One of Gilbert and Sullivan's best loved comic operas, it is now celebrating its 120th anniversary, and this colourful romp through the many mix-ups of love, marriage and failed executions was dealt with in a style and manner warmly appreciated by an audience keen to be part of the birthday bash!

The Carl Rosa Opera Company's stature and reputation seems to grow by the year and its stock will rise even more on this tour.

Great entertainment - from the hilarious antics of the expressive and effervescent Simon Butteriss as Ko-Ko, through the delightful three little maids (Lesley Cox, Victoria Ward and Charlotte Page), and on to the whole ensemble.

A colourful and cheerful spectacle which re-creates the original 1885 production and is guaranteed to lift your spirits. AW