HMS Pinafore

Climb aboard HMS Pinafore! Josephine's due to be engaged to the First Lord of the Admiralty, but she’s madly in love with Ralph, a mere sailor, to the annoyance of her strict father Captain Corcoran. Can Ralph get up the courage to confess his feelings and elope with her? What will happen when dear little Buttercup reveals a secret that would change the lives of everyone on the ship? Can HGS bring Gilbert’s wittiest writing and Sullivan’s most soaring melodies to life on such a small stage, in this lively story of turbulent love on the ocean blue?

YES THEY CAN!!!! I always get a good greeting from HGS, a reserved seat, escorted to it, and a drink in the interval - all with a smile. The set was designed by Richard Gregg who once again has succeeded with his minimalistic staging. A raked floor, a white sail, four ropes a doorframe and cut out clouds perfect, just perfect. Lighting I thought could have been more spot on (as in, on the actors) - I found it very dark in places. Simple choreography by Janice Boyns-Redway, but very nautical and just right for this small stage. Costumes and props were of the period, executed well by Wendy Stuckey and Lindsey Hudson.

This Pinafore was more like the Pinafore that ‘goes wrong’ - firstly we are told that the Captain has had accident and can’t go on, the only alternative is a lady and she is Welsh and the costume won’t fit. The costume didn’t fit and yes she was Welsh: Sue Sutton-‘Jones’ played this role with aplomb and lovely pink nail varnish. As Sir Joseph Porter KCB, ‘Bishop Geofferson Hawes’ made the stage his own and his diction and singing were commanding for this role. Ralph the love interest, portrayed by David Menezes, certainly had a perfectly controlled voice and so powerful for this role. Ralph was perfectly teamed with ‘Dame Lal Jermyn’ as Josephine - their duets together were mesmerising and Josephine’s solos were captivating. Alison Clinch gave us the comedy as Dick Deadeye. Little Buttercup was struggling with Laryngitis - I could tell before I was told in the interval. Poor Buttercup, but Shirley’s facial nuances were great. This cast were backed up by Brenda Best and David Hayter (Hebe and Bill Bobstay) with 12 on-stage singers and extra chorus seated around the perimeter. Directed by Richard Gregg, this man has a talent for taking a big operetta and staging it to the venue, the right cast and a little camp - he works wonders, well done, all accompanied by Mark Andrew on the keyboard, not an easy task. Thank you HGS for inviting me for a very enjoyable evening at HMS Pinafore.

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