HMS Pinafore

One thing that Kirkcaldy G&S Society can never be accused of doing is presenting a “traditional” G&S performance.
Here in HMS Pinafore, the overture was omitted (to be heard later as an entr’acte to Act Two while Captain Corcoran consumed his dinner in his inset cabin) and was replaced by a fifteen minute slot of sea shanties performed on the set by a group of chorus members. Getting in to the show proper, the male chorus made a fine start to the operetta.  As is the norm with KGASS in recent years, the chorus – both male and female – make an excellent sound, so important with Gilbert & Sullivan’s works, when delivery of the story line is of prime importance.
Moving on to the principals: Erin Ireland offered us a very pretty Josephine, and, matched with her clear soprano voice, provided a confident debut into Gilbert & Sullivan performance. As Ralph Rackstraw – a lowly sailor in love with Josephine, Peter Robinson provided an accomplished performance, shown to especially good effect in “A Maiden fair to see”.  Three stalwarts of the G&S world (in no particular order, but ladies first) were Elaine Young (Little Buttercup), Robin Ozóg (Sir Joseph Porter) and Andrew Sim (Captain Corcoran). This trio of principals all performed to the same high standard that we have grown to expect over the years.  Elaine has the daunting task of initiating the plot in Act One and then solving all the inevitable mix-ups by the end of Act Two. Robin, as well as directing the operetta,  performed the role of Sir Joseph to the usual high standard which has become a trademark of Robin’s performances wherever he appears. Andrew gave a suitably upper class cut to Captain Corcoran, before he eventually finds that rather than a Captain, he is actually a …………………..?  Well, not wishing to spoil the surprise for any non-G&S enthusiast reading this, you will just have to come and find out at a performance of HMS Pinafore at a theatre near you – sometime! Minor principals – Hebe played by Caroline Warburton and Dick Deadeye (Niall Aitken) should not be forgotten and were confidently portrayed in this production.
A character in stripy pullover made random appearances both in the auditorium and on stage throughout the show. I’m sorry, but I missed the significance of this gentleman, who, additionally, failed to reach the programme!
The set by John Urquhart was very workable, and included a variety of heights (more use could possibly have been made of these), but, nevertheless, a very positive addition to the production.
Finally, I must make mention of the costuming – absolutely traditional in style and well fitted, giving, I am sure, that extra boost of confidence to all taking part.
 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.