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H.M.S. Pinafore

Author: Bruce Wyatt

Information

Date
8th August 2025
Society
Wymsical Theatre
Venue
Hallow Parish Hall
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Alec Fellows-Bennett
Musical Director
Stephen Watkins
Producer
Pamela Watkins
Written By
Gilbert & Sullivan

HMS Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan was first performed in 1878. The story revolves around the love between Josephine, the Captain's daughter, and Ralph Rackstraw, a common sailor. Social class barriers prevent their union, as Josephine is expected to marry the wealthy Sir Joseph Porter.  The British class system and bureaucracy are satirized through witty lyrics and catchy tunes and this is captured well by some clever direction by Alec Fellows-Bennett and a talented cast predominantly of young actors. I should add that this was all the more impressive as the performance was the first night following just a week’s concentrated preparation.

At the rear of a raised small stage was a very good backcloth depicting on board ship and good use was made of central steps down to a floor level playing area. The area was well lit and the cast well dressed and supported as always by Stephen Watkins on piano.

‘We sail the Ocean Blue’ was a great opening number and we are introduced to; Little Buttercup, singing ‘I’m Called Little Buttercup’, well sung by Lex Freeth, Boatswain, played by Max Price who projected well and Dick Deadeye, full of characterisation by George Forsyth.

‘The Nightingale’ was led by Linus Hughes as Ralph Rackstraw who admits that he loves above his station and maintained a good presence in his ongoing bid to woo Josephine. I particularly enjoyed his speech when expressing his love for Josephine, who initially rejects him.

Increasing his performance with every role, Cameron Morris impressed as Captain Corcoran, full of stature and eloquent dialogue as he expressed he was never, never ever sick at sea – well hardly ever!

The subject of Ralph’s attention Josephine Corcoran , was played by the excellent Ellie Morris. Ellie had a great range to her voice, well expressed on several occasions including ‘Sorry her lot who loves too’ when she explained ‘when love is alive and hope is dead’, sung beautifully. She like many of the cast brought out a great deal of humour. Bob Graham brought a great rich voice to his performance of Sir Joseph Porter, especially in the patter song ‘When I was a lad’. Prior to his entrance his sisters, cousins and his aunts entered through the audience singing ‘Now give three cheers’ with gusto.

The Captain is saddened by the situation but Buttercup explains ‘Things are seldom what they seem’. Ellie sang another expressive number ’The hours creep on apace’ and becoming somewhat inebriated, is joined by Cameron and Bob with a splendid ‘Never mind the why and wherefore’. Later Buttercup admits she has a secret to tell, that she once practised baby farming and it becomes clear that as babies, the Captain and Ralph were switched at birth, ultimately solving the issue of social class barriers.

In addition to a number of well performed Ratings and the sisters, cousins and aunts mentioned earlier, other good support was provided by Lydia Dimmock as Cousin Hebe,  Maddie Wallis as Petty Officer and Claire Jeffries as Auntie. The audience loved it all and so did I and understand the cast are already asking what can they stage next year in a week! It is so satisfying that a young cast enjoyed a work from G&S, but then Wymsical has a well-earned reputation for widening the knowledge and experience of its members. Congratulations to all involved.

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