HMS Pinafore

This production was set in quite a different era to the usual Victorian one – the 1920’s, the days of Art Deco, Charleston style loose fitting frocks or trousers, accessories of long beads, ladies’ hair dos short, cloche hats, turbans, and headbands!! Naval uniforms remained much the same – the crew just had to remember ‘The King’s Navy’. The stage was dressed with a wonderful colourful backdrop of a ship of the fleet anchored in port. A good nautical start.

The A4 programme was also in the Art Deco style front cover with the usual helpful information but including an article debating whether Dick Deadeye is intended as a victim or villain. Hmm certainly food for thought. However, whatever his reasoning for spilling the beans on the twist of this fictional story this is another fine G and S satire knocking the establishment. A humble sailor Ralph is in love with the Captain’s daughter Josephine who is destined to marry pompous First Lord of the Fleet who together with his sisters, cousins and his aunts are about to board ship. Josaphine too is secretly in love with Ralph but, aware he is low ranking, initially hides it. Whether through spite or strong morals, Dick Deadeye scuppers their proposed elopement after Ralph’s declaration with the support of the crew and her deliberation. Mrs. Cripps, Bumboat woman, somewhat of a mystic – known as Buttercup  sweet on the Captain divulges that whilst many years ago as a baby farmer of two babies, she mixed them up – one being of noble birth the other of low ranking. The two being Ralph and Captain Corcoran. After usual complications and eventual accepting Ralph is a true Englishman – Ralph gets his beloved, The Captain his Buttercup and Sir Joseph settles for Cousin Hebe.

Musically directed by Tony Biggin with the nine piece well balanced orchestra accompanying from the pit, timpani from a box, we enjoyed the jolly, lively, paced familiar music together with a couple of surprises – ‘All the Nice Girls Love a Sailor’ from the ladies of the chorus and an amusing song on the unlikely subject of sausages were added to the mix. A mention of thanks must also go to the diligent piano accompanists during the course of rehearsals. A rousing opening chorus of ‘We Sail the Ocean Blue’ set the scene – harmonious, strong and articulate from the mature tars. Tenor Adrian Samual played love struck Ralph singing a beautiful aria’ Maiden Fair To See’, along with excellent duets and trios, quartets and choruses. His delightful leading lady high soprano Rowan Stanfield excellent in her role of Josephine whilst Margo Miller played a mystic Mrs Cripps with country accent eventually revealing her secret. Paul Eccles using his so expressive eyes -  so good in his patter songs was a light-footed, elegant Sir Joseph. The rascal of the piece Not so Able Seaman Deadeye was depicted masterly by Michael Bale particularly whilst sidestepping up and down the deck steps. A smart appearance from bearded Benjamin Craven as Captain Corcoran particularly enjoying his opening of Act 2 number with a moonlit backdrop ‘Fair Moon’. Other cameo parts were ably played by confident newcomers Clare Daly as a rather haughty, elegant Cousin Hebe and Tiffany as smiling Marina with good support from both Paul Debreczeny as Boatswain’s Mate Bill Bobstay and Richard Tanner Carpenter’s Mate Bob Beckett.

Particularly well designed by Ant Miller and constructed by Accord Stage Works was the battleship deck complete with rivets and green/red lights rigging and array of flags with additional pieces from Steve Waiter. Portholes suitably lit for time of the day. Various large nautical props were collated by Helen Morbey and Wendy Dovey. Costumes of the period well put together by Helen Morbey and Rowan Stanfield sourced from Harvey’s of Hove, Gladrags and The Costume Place with special mention to the good white footwear. Sound and Lighting well designed and operated and smooth running from the backstage crew completed the team, together with PR and photography and F of H helpers.

Wendy then had the task to combining the whole production – her stage settings were well balanced with interesting with well drilled movement. Great multiple colourful flag scene I particularly enjoyed the men with their deck mop routine adding the comedic attraction of the washing up mop. Most entertaining. A great touch also the addition of the scooters particularly the synchronised hooting of Sir Joseph.

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