The BBC-TV Gondoliers (1972)
Duke of Plaza-Toro | Denis Dowling |
Luiz | Joseph Ward |
Don Alhambra | Michael Langdon |
Marco | John Brecknock |
Giuseppe | Thomas Allen |
Antonio | Alan Charles |
Francesco | [information missing] |
Giorgio | [information missing] |
Annibale | [information missing] |
Duchess of Plaza-Toro | Heather Begg |
Casilda | Beverly Bergen |
Gianetta | Laureen Livingstone |
Tessa | Delia Wallis |
Fiametta | Sara de Javelin |
Vittoria | Cynthia Buchan |
Giulia | [information missing] |
Inez | Edith Coates |
Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: David Lloyd-Jones
Director: Bill Hays
Originally broadcast on BBC2
4 February 1972
This studio production was broadcast on the BBC in 1972 and was also probably shown on U.S. television at some point. I am not aware of any home video release. I have not seen a copy of it, but have heard that it is excellent. Several of the performers went on to major grand opera careers (particularly Tom Allen). The conductor here, David Lloyd-Jones, edited Ernest Eulenberg's critical edition of The Gondoliers, so one would expect him to lead a performance of absolute authority.
Fred Judkins wrote to me:
Yes, this Gondoliers is excellent, with a memorable first scene, complete with very beautiful dances. All of the performers are great, with a very funny Duchess, who had a "terrible taste for tippling."