Pirates of Penzance

I am 70 years old and I have seen "Pirates" about 7 times from West end in the 70s to village Hall in the 2000s, every kind of company from School productions to the professional theatre.

Without doubt this production, with Debbie Harold as Director, is the one of best I have seen in recent years. The dedication and energy of most of the participants showed. Pirates is one of the most popular comic operas by Gilbert and Sullivan.

GEMS Dramatic Society took the bold step to perform it in a very small venue such as the Guild Theatre Northfleet.

The lives of Cornwall pirates are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of the Major General and his family of young (well?) marriageable daughters.

The GEMS cast of 30 tackled this with a real sense of fun. The set was solid and again the costumes came up trumps. Male and female choruses including the daughters were in fine voice, the dancing and movement well co- ordinated, by Choreographer Paula Gosnell-Diggens, Also there was some impressive individual performances.

James Bellamy as the dashing rebellious Frederic, the nice singing voice of Elizabeth Vile as Mabel, Pirate King Dave Witham demanded our attention, Alison Clinch as Ruth a good characterization and accent, the presence of Major General, Terry Cole gave a good solid performance as did the Sergeant Michael Donovan, especially in the tap policeman set. There was great support from the whole team including Vernon Leese, Brenda Best, Jean Hook, Jan Mackney, Musical Direction by Malcolm Corti on one keyboard exquisitely played by Jane Noakes was slick.

Debbie Harold you took your Team and gave us a well polished production on such a small stage, making sure there was plenty of movement and action. Your cast did you proud, and many looked as if they were enjoying themselves. Well Done.

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