HMS Pinafore

The minimum set on this show worked very well with the Orchestra appearing to be in a lifeboat at one side of the stage. It was well dressed and props although again minimal looked great. In the main the sound was good but certain players need to project more as players aren’t miked. The costumes looked lovely adding to the experience.

The Orchestra under the baton of Jon Gibson sounded fantastic and were a joy to listen to from the overture to the final bars. The direction by Charlotte Exley had some lovely touches to it with much comic inferences on this her directional debut. It is lovely to have someone of younger years interpretation of G & S and clearly Charlotte knows her stuff. This was a very fast paced production and made me giggle almost all the way through.  Well done Charlotte

The cast including chorus put some real interpretation into their characters. Peter Shellard playing the pompous Rt Hon Sir Joseph Porter made me hoot with laughter at his ridiculous narcissistic way.

John Ramsdin as the Captain was well portrayed with a lovely warm singing voice and Jane Hyde as his daughter sounded wonderful and had some lovely comic touches to her acting.

Raef Rackstraw was wonderfully played by Paul Murtough in what I believe was his first production not just with this society but any society. His voice so suited the role and he delivered both songs and dialogue with ease and this is not an easy part with lots of complicated pieces.

Greta Shellard played a lovely Little Buttercup with a sweet West Country accent and again lovely comic touches.

It is lovely to see young people coming through the ranks at this society and playing and directing alongside some of the most experienced actors on the local circuit. This was a wonderful production which flowed very well both in music and dialogue thanks to the cast but also due to the musical and artistic direction. Well done to all involved with this very funny production.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.