HMS Pinafore

With the future of amateur theatre being almost ‘put on hold’ for so long during the pandemic I was really looking forward to getting back to a theatre to see and hear what promised to be a quality performance by the Birmingham Savoyards, I’m so pleased to say HMS Pinafore did not disappoint in any way.

Firstly, massive congratulations must go to the officers of the society who along with the production team managed to actually get what was a terrific production on the stage. Reading through the Chairmans letter and talking to the company’s secretary it appears nearly half the cast including the MD and one of the principal characters had been struck down with covid resulting in very challenging rehearsals and replacements having to be found at very short notice. The evening I attended we had a stand in MD with Ian Hayward holding the fort (with another dep Tim Harding taking the baton on Friday and Saturday) The accomplished John Clay played Dick Deadeye. I must add if I had not have been told that these people had not been present during all the rehearsal period I would never have known, both delivering professionalism out of what could have been disaster.

Each principal oozed the characteristics expected of their individual rolls. Rob Mead played the larger-than-life comedic Sir Joseph Porter KCB, with Paul Wozniak as Captain Corcoran keeping the ships company of sailors in check at all times. Altus Chan played Ralph Rackstraw he has a wonderful tone in his voice. John Hindle was our final male principal as the Boatswain.

Buttercup was played vivaciously by Janet James who along with sweet Josephine -Anna Kindleysides and Cousin Hebe played by Deborah Webb made up the female principals. All of the above were well supported by the ensemble of 14 First Lords Sisters, Cousins, Aunts and Sailors on HMS Pinafore.

The stage direction and movements were very effective throughout, complete with beautiful period costumes and a colourful yet simple set ensured the talent of the cast especially their voices shone throughout the whole performance.

The audience were very appreciative, of a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment. notably there was more than a few really loud belly laughs,I must add these were in all the right places.

Congratulations to all concerned on this very professional 

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