Dick Deadeye, or Duty Done

Have always gotten a lot of enjoyment from Gilbert and Sullivan's work. Gilbert's lyric and dialogue writing tickles the funnybone constantly while also being layered and enhancing the storytelling, Sullivan's music is often sublime and the characters are colourful with the odd complex one.

'Dick Deadeye, or Duty Done' was a true delight. Of the three animated versions seen of Gilbert and Sullivan's work, it is by far the best. The others are a heavily abridged but interesting and well made 1960s version of 'Ruddigore' and 'The Gentlemen of Titipu' which is so bad and such a disgrace to the Gilbert and Sullivan name that it's not worth commenting on.

The film does drag a tad at the end, and also wouldn't have said no to more of 'Ruddigore' and 'Princess Ida' (neither among their best, but both undervalued, especially 'Ruddigore'). However, it entertains hugely, was clearly made with a lot of love and affection and will be a delight for fans and an interesting experience for anybody who's new to G&S or just getting into their work.

Gilbert and Sullivan's talent, even with the songs with modern lyrics being more based on their original work, shine immensely here and it felt like a very affectionate tribute, which was appropriate considering that it was a centenary commemoration. The writing is witty, charming, sometimes insightful and layered, and never less than very funny and often hilarious. Even with some updated treatment with some modern lyrics, the music is as sublime as ever and recognising highlights from several operettas was a huge part of the fun as well as recognising the included characters. It's beautifully performed too all round.

Some may say that the story is cobbled together and feels more an excuse of stringing highlights and scenes together. That is true, but in this case it doesn't matter because the characters (still colourful and interesting), music and writing are so good and the story is cohesive and compelling throughout. Plus Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas are not exactly seen for their stories, but more the characters, writing and music.

Lastly, the animation is very nicely done with the detail of the background art being especially noteworthy.

Overall, a delight for Gilbert and Sullivan fans. 8/10 Bethany Cox