‘Delivered with crisp, evocative conviction’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘There is nothing in this collection that is not worth hearing and much to treasure’ (Cross Rhythms)

‘The voices are magnificent; likewise the organ. The whole record is a delight’ (Gramophone)

‘The boy and girl descants are on fine form’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘The Wells Cathedral Choir again shows its stuff—and it's glorious … because of this choir's sturdy, full-bodied singing, both exuberant and reverent, and its natural, sensible, unaffected phrasing and enunciation. Hymn lovers need no encouragement or further discussion; these inspiring texts and timeless tunes speak for themselves’ (Classics Today)

‘A truly unusual program of musical comedy all recorded for the first time … these are excellent performances’ (American Record Guide)

‘This is definitely a disc to keep in your car for frustrating traffic-jams or other such moments when a little hilarity would be the perfect tonic. After all, who wouldn't be cheered at the prospect of hearing Catherine Bott and Lucie Skeaping scratching each others eyes out. Laugh? I couldn't stop’ (Musical Criticism.com)

‘Clarity of diction, inventive direction and an infectious sense of fun combine to capture the spirit of the genre’ (Early Music Today)

‘Lucie Skeaping and The City Waites have given us several anthologies worth of enjoyably ribald fare over the years. This is their most substantial project yet … the listener becomes an active participant, imagining the décor, the costumes and attitudes of the characters, and the frequent bouts of slapstick, all of which are enacted as lustily as one expects … great performances, without doubt’ (Gramophone)

‘These performers … provide a fascinating, informative glimpse into what the general populace of England was enjoying … the singing and instrumental performances are as genially accomplished as ever … skeaping and the Waites let in a bracing breeze’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Soloists Crispian Steele-Perkins and Alison Balsom play with utmost delicacy and control’ (Early Music Today)

‘Exemplary performances … the disc as a whole is not only extremely enjoyable in its own right, but is of value for illuminating a major development in the history of instrumental music’ (Goldberg)