H.M.S. Pinafore

It was a cold evening as we entered NWTAC Theatre to set sail on the HMS Pinafore, the band ably led by Jonathan Gibson were on fine form. This operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan is a challenge to any musical director - the recits alone are tricky, the timing is crucial and the notes are very precise.

The set was quite a modern looking deck on board a ship with three working door entrances to the rear, side entrances were also used by the cast. All props were handled well including mops in the opening number. The orchestra were to the front side of the stage and, at times, I think the cast had difficulty hearing them due to the placement of the speakers. This was very evident during Hebe`s and The Sisters and The Aunts approach down the exterior aisles - unfortunately both sides were singing slightly out of time with each other. The audience seemed to enjoy it and one could almost wonder if it were being done deliberately to put a slightly different slant on that particular song.

The costumes supplied by The boyz were excellent and very much in keeping with the theme of the show, they were cohesive and bright, the ladies were sufficiently flouncy while the sailors in their intrinsic characterisations remained easily recognisable throughout every scene  .

Dick Deadeye played by Mike Nash-Whitmore gave us a good strong characterization - his line delivery was good, projection was excellent and his connection with the audience was very good. His interaction with all the sailors showed some good comedy timing. Adrian Davidson as Bill Bobstay had some fantastic projection, he created some fantastic sound during the musical numbers and he showed some great characterisation and awareness of his fellow cast members during large scenes. Jill Ratcliffe as Buttercup certainly seemed to enjoy herself, one of my favourite songs from Pinafore is "Things are seldom what they seem”  Jill delivered it with flair and aplomb.

The finale of act one that requires all the ensemble has one song within that is very unforgiving (“This very night with bated breath and muffled….”) the timing and precision on it shows exactly who knows the words, word order and melody. I will allow for the late incomers into roles not knowing the words, etc, but I do think that the chorus should at least know the song words – there were a few mouths moving, but not actually singing the words – again the audience were already enraptured and fully enjoying the performance so did not notice, it is me being picky.

Sasha Carillo de Albornoz as Josephine had a beautifully expressive face which she kept in use throughout the whole performance, she had a good connection with the audience and she hit some beautiful notes. Isaac Brookes as Ralph Rackstraw used his stage space well, he interacted with his fellow sailors well and his vocals were pleasant.

Pinafore is a great story and is definitely my favourite Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta, the songs are recognisable and leave you with a warm feeling. Personally, I feel that North Manchester AODS performed the show well under some very trying circumstances, both my guest and I enjoyed it. I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.

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