HMS Pinafore

Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore highlights the operetta's enduring humour, its clever satire of class and authority, which requires strong vocal and comedic performances to do it justice. SavoyNet’s production was injected with humour and innovative staging while staying true to the work's Victorian roots.  The delightful set including traditional sails, rigging and cabins, but the staging did not overwhelm the music. The key elements for a successful Pinafore include witty choreography, polished ensemble work, well-framed solo songs, and a strong cast, particularly for the comic and lead roles, all present in the performance I was privileged to be invited to at The 31st International G&S Festival in Buxton.

Your international cast came together to perform at the festival this year and performers, production team, and crew came from the UK, from across the USA, Canada, The Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, a truly international production.  Director Rick Joyce and Musical Director Eric Peterson both from New York, USA produced a lively, comic show, with many highlights, excellent casting, and dramatic energy.

There were strong vocal performances from all the lead players. Sir Porter played by Martin Everall with great timing and stage presence, Captain Corcoran played by Rick DuPuy and his daughter Josephine played by Lauren Cupples, (all from the USA), were excellent. Superb singing voices and characterisation which brought the theatre alive with mirth during the song ‘Never Mind the Why or Wherefore’ in act 2. Delightful Manya Gaver-Holmes played Little Buttercup well, lovely voice, many cheeky asides and held her own in ‘A Many Year Ago’ amongst the whole chorus of sailors and the Sisters, Cousins and Aunts.

The jolly and farcical plot, along with the witty dialogue lampoons the class system. The staging enhanced the idea of separation in the classes, with different costumes, actions, and stage positioning. The whole chorus were amazing. The juxtaposition between upper and lower class was dramatized so well. The choreography was entertaining (Choreographer Rachel Middle), the clever design of the flag moment, went brilliantly.

Ralph Rackstraw played by Chazmond Peacock, Dick Deadeye played by Tyler Parker, Bill Bobstay played by Andrew Smith and Hebe played by Sarah Robinson all gave strong performances with strong vocals, excellent diction and characterisation.

The lighting designed beautifully by Matthew Cowan enhanced the action, I particularly enjoyed the skyscape.  Costumes and Wardrobe Supervisor, Maria Zicos along with assistants Kathryn Barton and Kathryn Erson did a tremendous job. Every item of costume looked immaculate and enriched each performance.

Chorus members, Kay Byler Kelm, Melinda Carlisle, Alexander Conway, Simon Cooper, Audrey Ditri, Paul Ensell, Tobin Fell, Beth Garrett, Robert Gray, Victoria Goulden, Christopher Hall, Robert Hall, Sarah-Jane Hall, Marilla Homes, Julie-Ann Lomas, Oliver McDonnell, Christopher McInnis, Rachel Middle, Dan Rosenbaum, Andrew Rushton, Ashley Saferight, Marc Shepherd, Sheila Skipper, Olivia Sohmer Rosenbaum, Natalie Taylor, Kelsey Thornton, Christopher Wain, Sandra Wain, Jane White, Maria Zicos, and Victoria Zicos gave excellent performances, with energy, super characterisation and tremendous dedication to the show.

Overall, this was an energetic, witty production which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you, producer Marisa Green, and the rest of the production team for the wonderful evening of entertainment at Buxton Opera House.

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