HMS Pinafore

Congratulations to the Sevenoaks Players in this their centennial year. HMS Pinafore was their first production back in 1922 so their decision to perform it in 2022 certainly pleased me being a G&S fan. Taking on a work that has been performed many times, in many ways, is no easy task but Tracy and her team have clearly worked hard to deliver a show that combined the best of tradition but with a modern approach.

I won’t bore you with going through the story as I am sure most are familiar with this tale of how social status played a significant part in life. The curtains opened while the overture was being played to the activities of the crew, but the crew also included young dancing girls! I think I would have liked to have seen them in trousers rather than short skirts. The choreography by Kayleigh Weaver and Elyse Herbert was excellent and balletic in places. Scenery on this large stage was sparse but with rigging at the back and a raised platform for the bridge, when turned round was also a cabin, certainly gave the impression of a ship’s quarter deck. Lighting and sound were not that complex, so all worked fine. Costumes were traditional, which I liked to see. M.D. Carys Snipp had fine soloists and ensemble to work with and under her direction, the orchestra were good. I can forgive some of the lyrics being updated and there was one song that I had not heard before and that was the duet between Captain Corcoran and Josephine ‘Reflect, My Child.’ Apparently, this was written but not included in the original performance in 1878 and only came to light in the 1990’s

We were slowly introduced to the characters and Daniel Jarvis who played Ralph Rackstraw is a young man with a fine voice. I’m sure he has a long future in musical theatre. Josephine was played with vocal beauty and humorous charm by Ellie Wallis. Ralph was ably supported by his crew members Boatswain – Daniel Dunmore; Carpenter – Bruna Bonafé and Dick Deadeye – Callum McFarland who maintained his snidey character. Although dishevelled , he was too clean! His teeth could have been blackened a bit.  Principal roles make an evening sail full speed ahead and James Bruce as Captain Corcoran was a joy to watch, whether singing a lament to the pale moon or skipping around in a comic trio. He was joined by feisty Buttercup played by Lorraine Slipper, a nice characterisation. Cousin Hebe is a minor but important part and Jena Herbert entered fully into this role.  Anthony Eglinton as Sir Joseph Porter was perfect casting with his fine voice, crisp delivery, perfect diction and the ability to keep the audience laughing. Last, but not least was Harry J. Galvin as a rather camp Marine. I loved his characterisation with the ever fussing over Sir Joseph, without saying a word.

HMS Pinafore may never be as emotionally engaging as modern-day musical theatre, but the joy and excitement shine through. The skill to be able to deliver the comedy to a fresh audience keeps G&S alive.         

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.