The Burford Singers set themselves an ambitious task last weekend presenting concert versions of Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe and HMS Pinafore in one evening. It is tempting to wonder whether this was, in fact, just a little too ambitious. Despite an obvious enthusiasm, a talented principal line-up and some strong ensemble singing, there were too many fluffed words and notes despite the fact that they were all using scores giving the impression that this was a little under-rehearsed.

There were errors, too, in the narration, the most glaring of which was the assertion that at the end of Iolanthe "the only one left out is the Lord Chancellor". In fact, of course, the Lord Chancellor is happily reunited with Iolanthe, whom he had married 25 years before the opera opens a fact upon which much of the plot hinges. Even worse was the plodding tempo set by conductor Brian Etheridge for Iolanthe, which was laboured to the extent that, as with a car struggling to get out of first gear, you longed to get out and push. Even the finale, which should be bright and vivacious, staggered ponderously to a heavy-footed conclusion.

Happily, Brian Kay resumed his normal duties on the conductor's rostrum for HMS Pinafore, and took things at a much snappier pace. Anyone needing to catch a train home must have been relieved. Burford's most valuable asset is Penelope Martin-Smith, who sang Phyllis and Josephine with warmth, purity of tone and crystal-clear diction. I also liked Gerry Shields' vivacious Captain Corcoran, and John Crayford's richly-intoned Tolloller and Rackstraw. But there were pleasing performances, too, from Richard Rednall (Strephon), David Turtle (Mountararat and Boatswain) and Brian Kay (Lord Chancellor).

There were plenty of good moments in this performance, but the overall impression was that the choir had stepped outside its comfort zone. I look forward to seeing them back to their customary excellence with Judas Maccabaeus in the autumn.