While rehearsing for their forthcoming production of West Side Story, members of the Oxford Operatic Society took time out to celebrate their 60th anniversary with an exuberant selection of highlights from Merrie England and White Horse Inn.

I have often wondered why Merrie England is so neglected these days, and after hearing the society's sparkling account on Friday evening, I am more convinced than ever that it deserves a more frequent airing. True, the music and lyrics do sound a little dated, and it is easy to understand why German and Hood failed to fulfil public expectations of becoming the next Gilbert and Sullivan. But it is good to see the mothballs shaken off occasionally, especially when the piece is handled with such confidence and joie de vivre as it was here. The highlight for me was Keri Williams's rousing rendition of The Yeomen of England, but there were some memorable performances from Claire Barratt as the May Queen, Heather Morrison as Jill-all-Alone and Ian Barratt as Sir Walter Raleigh, while Sarah Leatherbarrow, as Bessie Thockmorton, revealed a soprano voice of such glorious richness and purity that I couldn't help wondering why she is not pursuing a professional career.

The joyous mood continued after the interval with White Horse Inn, of which the most memorable songs are the title number and the glorious In Salzkammergut (the melody of which is still whirling around in my head as I write). Once again, there were fine performances from Keri Williams (Sutton), Sarah Leatherbarrow (Ottoline) and Claire Barratt (Josepha). As Leopold, Jonathan Sewell could have done with being slightly stronger vocally, but his comic handling of the part was spot on, and Jonathan Cooper was exquisitely funny as Sigismund.

This accomplished and highly-polished performance bodes well for West Side Story, which is at the New Theatre from November 28 to December 2. For tickets, call 0870 606 3500.