H.M.S. Pinafore with excerpts from The Grand Duke

This year, due to the uncertainty re the availability of St Mary’s Church Hall, this company has moved to a new venue, based in Leyland. The Methodist Community Centre proved to be just what the company needed. Facilities are excellent with more space on stage with two workable ears stage left and right which gave the cast a far bigger area in which to work. This coupled with more ancillary facilities appears to mean that the move will be a success.

“H.M.S. Pinafore” is mainly performed with “Trial By Jury” but this production included excerpts from “The Grand Duke” instead. Although this innovative piece was very entertaining I am very much a traditionalist as far as G & S is concerned and would have preferred the original duo.

There were many fine performances tonight and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Chris Dodd, Captain Corcoran/Ernest was first class with a lovely singing voice coupled with excellent diction and a fine knowledge of the character(s).  Robert W.A. Feeley, Sir Joseph Porter KCB/Ludwig again showed his versatility in both roles, whilst Andrew Gardner, Ralph Rackstraw/Notary had a lovely quality in his singing voice but at times his projection was lacking. This could also be said of some other characters who although acted and sang well, were at times a little quiet.

I particularly enjoyed Amy Hardy as Buttercup/Julia who showed exactly what was required of both characters and Josephine and Hebe, Hilary Wilby and Caroline Waring gave confident performances.  Directors, Janet Dawson and Sue Hurrell must have been pleased with the overall production.

The ensemble pieces were very good on the whole, only occasionally was diction at fault.

The set was excellent and Caroline Waring, Michael Wright and Stan Pickles together with their teams, are to be congratulated. The costumes were excellent with good colour co-ordination.

The Orchestra under the baton of Margaret Wright, Musical Director ensured that the balance between musicians and those on stage was just right.

I hope the members enjoy their new home and I look forward to their next production.

Thank you so much for your warm welcome to Jean and myself.

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