H.M.S. Pinafore & Trial By Jury

At first glance this appeared to be a somewhat conventional Pinafore. The set was the usual deck scene, but the washing line, hung with a row of long johns was a bit unusual and when the sailors came on semi-dressed and proceeded to put on their underwear during their first chorus, we knew that things were going to be a bit different. 

Abigail Miller was a very attractive Buttercup and her singing easily kept the sailors attention – and ours too. I enjoyed “Things are ...” with Buttercup and the Captain, Mike Pavitt. It was nicely acted and their voices went well together, and “My gallant crew” was well sung by all. Matt Sturgeon was an excellent Sir Joseph/Judge. His two patter songs were delivered with great style (and speed) and the trio “Never mind...” was brilliantly performed.

Matt Harris was an excellent Ralph and Katherine Evans was a delightful Josephine. They sang and acted well, playing it straight, but with just a hint of not taking their predicament too seriously. Richard Patient was a suitably sinister Dick Deadeye and the smaller parts were all well cast and played – including a rather strange Aunt Maud and a quite delightful cat. The chorus, especially the ladies, sang and moved well throughout.

The subtle change to “Trial by Jury” was indicated by a board stating “Three weeks later” and Ralph now loves another and Josephine is suing for breach of promise. The excellent singing and acting by all was by and large a traditional version of the proceedings, apart from a rather promiscuous Buttercup, until the Judge finally finds the perfect solution to the dilemma – perhaps!  

Lovely costumes and good set added the pleasure of the evening. Alison Vincent had the super small orchestra totally under control and the voices were never drowned out. It was good to see a mix of newer and older members of the society taking part. I was also very pleased to note the absence of personal mikes. The sound quality of the singing was excellent without any further amplification. David Tatnalls direction of these two operas was rather different, but great fun, and could be enjoyed by both G&S traditionalist and the more open minded!

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