IT has been a productive summer for York Musical Theatre Company, judging by their four-night residency of Something Wonderful, a celebration of one of the greatest collaborations in American musical theatre, at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

Faced with the unenviable challenge of selecting songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein to fit into a two-hour show, director and devisor Paul Laidlow has gone for the big five. The result is a well-constructed tour through favourites from Oklahoma!, Carousel, The King And I, South Pacific and The Sound Of Music.

Everyone has an idea of what to expect with a Rodgers and Hammerstein revue. The enduring quality of the richly orchestrated music, clever lyrics and emotional highs and lows shines through, but there is also surprise and imagination.

At a time when it is common for shows to use recorded music, it is gratifying to see three live musicians on stage, led by Laidlow on the piano. Providing ample panache as well as musical skill, the band interact naturally with confident and skilful singing from an array of soloists and chorus members.

Gentle foot tapping and humming confirms that the audience is more than content with a vignette of the each of the five works, bringing the “Golden Age” of musicals to the York stage. You would be hard pushed to find a better all-round performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s work in York any time soon.

York Musical Theatre Company in Something Wonderful: The Enchanting Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, 7.30pm tonight and tomorrow; 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Saturday. Box office: 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk

Review by Owen Burton