HMS Pinafore

HMS Pinafore is Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s most welcome return to the stage. This hasn’t been a straightforward road as many societies are finding in the current climate. This production set in the modern Royal Navy with a few updates in the lyrics and dialogue, and some roles traditionally played as male played by women began with a friendly warning from the Boatswain about turning off electronics, played by Julia Fryer, demonstrating an emerging comedic ability.

The set was simple but suitable for the small stage a more modern style ship, with the Spinnaker Tower informing us of the Portsmouth setting. Small box projections either side of the stage showing naval recruitment posters or the ship’s radar enhanced the set. Lighting design was effective. Sound overall was good, however there were some moments when diction could have been clearer.

The Captain (Lance Trodd) showed contrast between confident Captain to his underlings and subservience when in the presence of Sir Joseph Porter KCB, one tip, for everyone especially when wearing a hat, keep your head up high as we lost some facial expressions. Sir Joseph was played by David Stephenson with confidence and fun. Josephine (Harriet Aspell) had a lovely light soprano voice, just keep an eye on the diction as I did lose some words. You had a nice rapport with Matthew McMurray (Ralph) who captured the lovelorn character very well. Karen Dacre portrayed Little Buttercup with a lovely sincerity. Joanna Courage did a fabulous job playing Deadeye, suitably unpleasant. We had Paula Read as Hebe, as unfortunately Ellen Travers-Gaisford was unable to perform, Paula did a great job stepping into the role at the last minute.

All the ensemble performed enthusiastically. Having some of the women as Sailors worked well. The choreography was simple and mostly executed well.

Richard Abrams led the orchestra, and they had their fair share of Covid related problems so there were multiple subs and changes, but you would not have realised it was all very cohesive and produced a wonderful sound.

Rob Burbidge (Director) I think you can be very happy with what you have achieved in this very tricky time for theatre, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Swindon G&S back on the stage again.

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