Stephen Sondheim's beautiful melodies and clever, intelligent lyrics always shine even when the story doesn't as much. A Little Night Music is alongside Sweeney Todd, Into the Wood, Follies and Sunday in the Park with George one of his best, Send in the Clowns is the most recognisable and most well-known number in the show as well as one of Sondheim's hits, and for good reason too. This performance is just wonderful, infinitely superior to the Elizabeth Taylor film which for this viewer a big disappointment. It is an attractive-looking production and the staging is charming and well-thought-out. The fabulously witty dialogue is delivered in a way that suggests that the performers are enjoying delivering it, and the story emotionally resonates too. The orchestral playing has grandeur and brings out the beauty and power of Sondheim's music, and the whole production is paced well in tempo while allowing everything to make their impact and breathe. The acting and singing are first-class by all, especially from Sally Ann Howes(her moving rendition, with her rich perfectly-tuned contralto-like voice, of Send in the Clowns was one of, perhaps the, best part of the performance), Regina Resnik(a great mezzo-soprano, close to incomparable as Klytamnestra from Strauss' Elektra) and George Lee Andrews(helped by having some of the wittiest and most meaningful dialogue of the show). But everybody shows good comic timing and are affecting in the more movingly dramatic moments. Overall, wonderful, a performance that will make you smile if you come across it in some way or form. Highly deserving of a DVD release, that it hasn't already is a great mystery. 10/10 Bethany Cox