H.M.S.Pinafore

Once again this was a first class production from EDGAS with a strong cast of principal characters supported by an excellent well balanced chorus. This was a fairly traditional production but the added ‘Borthwick gimmicks’ always bring a freshness and originality to his productions.The spotlight on some of the main characters through a gauze and the remote controlled ship crossing the stage during the overture was a neat touch. A most striking set on the Quarter-deck of H.M.S. Pinafore with a crew of 22 raucous sailors on board going about their various chores and in great voice made an immediate impact.

The operetta pokes fun at the British class system and Captain Corcoran (Michael McFarlane) commanded his role in true upper crust fashion. He is hoping to marry off his daughter Josephine to the Rt.Hon. Sir Joseph Porter but alas Josephine has fallen for Ralph Rackstraw, a humble sailor on board the ship. As always Josephine (Gillian Robertson) gave an impressive performance with her effortless singing voice. Her aria in Act 2 when she weighs up the pros. and cons. of marrying for love or money was wonderful. Ralph (Chris Cotter), her lovelorn suitor, was a real down to earth, salt of the earth character determined to win his bride and gained the audience sympathy with his opening solo declaring his hopeless love for Josephine. The rather repulsive, Dick Deadeye who is abhorred by the crew was very well portrayed by Justin Skelton who revelled in trying to win over the Captain in ‘Kind Captain I’ve Important Information.’ Buttercup (Annabel Hamid) was more youthful than some I have seen but she interpreted the charcater ably. The mystical ‘A Many Years Ago’ complete with a crystal ball which changed colour was innovative and amusing. Bill Bobstay (Andrew Crawford) has a resounding bass voice and when joined by Bob Becket (Nathan Dicks) and Ralph produced a memorable ‘A British Tar.’  I also enjoyed the somewhat humerous ‘He Is An Englishman’ with it’s various hats, flags and even a sneaky Saltire depicting what might have been.

When Sir Joseph arrives on board he is accompanied by his entourage of sisters, cousins and aunts looking quite affluent but led by Cousin Hebe (Jennifer Murray) were not afraid to flirt with the lowly tars. Sir Joseph (Simon Boothroyd) gave a most accomplished performance with articulate dialogue, an expressive face and strong singing voice. The trio ‘Never Mind The Why And Wherfore’ with it’s many encores and gimmicks - bells ringing, phone a friend, Strictly judging panel and a frolicing Sir Joseph was one of the evening’s highlights and I imagine left Sir. Joseph rather exhausted!

There was some superb lighting throughout. The moonlit opening of Act 2 was especially effective and created a most sentimental atmosphere for the very well sung ’Fair Moon To Thee I Sing’

This was indeed a most professional, well directed production with superb choral singing from a well disciplned chorus, a fine orchestra and staging which presented some most picturesque groupings. A first class production which was a real pleasure to attend.

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