HMS Pinafore & Trial by Jury

Girton Operatic took a step away from the norm with this show amalgamating two separate comic operas H.M.S. PINAFORE & TRIAL BY JURY by neatly creating an acting company of sisters, cousins and aunts who come aboard HMS Pinafore to entertain Sir Joseph Porter (First Lord of the Admiralty), the Captain and crew.  

The curtain opened to an outstanding set designed by Helen Wilson.  Compliments to Helen and all those involved in creating this delightful setting which was enhanced by some superb costumes.

I thought the opening chorus was slightly hesitant but the sailors got into their stride well.  I must compliment the ensemble of sisters, cousins and aunts who were all in good voice and all looked splendid.  

We were treated to an excellent performance by Jerry Harrison as Sir Joseph Porter and Alan Lodge (Ralph Rackstraw) was in fine voice matched by Maggie Phillips as Josephine.  Mary-Rose Hubbard’s Little Buttercup was not as ‘blousey’ as one often sees her portrayed but hers was a nicely confident performance.  I also thought Bob Ball was first-class as The Defendant and Jeffery Lewins as the Learned Judge was superb.  In my opinion though Roger Few as Dick Deadeye was totally off the mark.  Here is a man described as ugly and a trouble maker, disliked by the crew.  What we had was a character who was pretty good looking played as a high-class silly ass complete with monocle: so although the performance was good the characterisation didn’t work for me.   

Other performances worthy of note were Lian Na Holmes and Clare Richards (The Bridesmaids), George Thorpe (Boatswain/Foreman of the Jury), Glynis Ellis (Hebe) and Huw Richards (Captain Corcoran).

The stage at Girton Glebe is extraordinarily wide with very little depth but the company worked well in the confined space even managing some chorus movement.  The orchestra under the baton of Petrina Lodge aside from the odd hiccough supported the singers well. 

Amalgamating the two shows made for a slightly longer evening than was comfortable on school chairs but the idea was good: in fact the whole production was full of quirky ideas some of which worked and some of which didn’t.  It was lovely to see a full house which shows this group has a large and loyal following.

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