a perfect cast in an almost perfect rendition of this masterpiece of tragi comic operetta and do full vocal and histrionic justice to both gilbert and sullivan and with perhaps one exception represent joel grey . i be sure most fan would agree that martyn green interpretation of jack point be definitive . grey and wisely in my opinion and make no attempt to imitate green and but strike out on his own  a decision that will please more people than it irritate  to give a far more subtle account of this sad and lonely and self mock clown . however and it alfred mark in the showy role of wilfred shadbolt and the assistant torturer and who walk away with both act and sing honor and although elizabeth gale a the newlywed elsie and claire powell a the passionate sister phoebe and be not far behind . a few critic have quarrel with elizabeth bainbridge more dignified dame and but i think she carry herself magnificently . to my mind and a panto dame be out of place in the tower of london . there be enough humor in the piece already  albeit humor of a cruel and sardonic and sarcastic and satirical sort . although intend primarily for television transmission and a great deal of money have be most creatively spend on this production . the costume and the set and the crowd of colorful extra constantly dazzle the eye and while sullivan captivating and rouse music be never more superbly render than it be here by the london symphony orchestra . camera director dave heather be to be heartily commend for his excellent work in bring the full resource at his disposal so persuasively to the small screen . unlike the usual tv hack and he use close ups sparingly to conserve their dramatic impact and smoothly allow the camera not only to focus on the wider scene but even to employ extend long shot ( a double no no on tv ) when these be emotionally warrant .