Wiltshire Times

Greek gods' romp
sparkles with fun

Orpheus in the Underworld
The Civic Hall, Trowbridge

IS IT the thought of going to hell for the evening which has put people off this, Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society's latest offering?

The audience was almost out­numbered by the chorus on the opening night, and although ticket sales are more encouraging for the rest of the week, this sparkling, witty and altogether enjoyable pro­duction truly deserves better.

The story, which sends up the Greek gods, centres on Eurydice: bored with her marriage to Orpheus, a rather wet violinist, she is having an affair with a local shepherd - who is Pluto, King of the Underworld in disguise.

All this floats along on a raft of extremely hummable - and entertainingly performed - tunes, the most well known of which is the Can-can.

Now come on, all you out there who think opera is not for you - a saucy affair involving Mr 666 himself, and a troupe of dancers can­-canning their way through Hades... it's all great fun.

But more than that, the star in the midst of a very able cast - Kate Courage - is bewitching as Eurydice. Stunningly good. More's the pity she is leaving TAOS when she takes up a teaching post in Minehead in September.

Orpheus continues until tomorrow. Box office (01225) 775335 daytime, 765153 evenings.

By Dawn Gorman