Pirates of Penzance

Pour, oh, pour the pirate sherry;                                                                                                                                              

Fill, oh, fill the pirate glass.                                                                                                                                                                     

So goes the opening chorus of this highly popular work by Gilbert & Sullivan. Indeed I think it would have been appropriate to invite all members of the audience to join in and partake of a celebratory drink since they were about to witness a fresh approach to the presentation of this great favourite! Lynne Loose, the Director (and Musical Director) for this production has considerable experience of the Savoy Operas and set this performance as a play being performed on and around the pier in Penzance during the Edwardian era by a troupe of travelling players as entertainment for the local constabulary and their families. Lynne also designed the set which was made to order by Roger Loose as an example of what a small touring company might wish to create and carry around with them. Similarly, the band performed a “Bandstand-sized” orchestral arrangement of the show to complement the production. The inclusion of a number of young people and children in the cast helped give the impression this was a family day out at the seaside and was considerably different to other formats previously adopted for their productions. There were very competent deliveries from the principals with Margaret Wainwright outstanding as Ruth (the Pirate Maid of all work) and lively stirring renditions from the animated chorus. The costumes fitted well and were colourful. This company attracts large audiences of dedicated G & S fans at their annual productions and as on previous occasions they will have left feeling very satisfied with what they have seen and heard. Well done all who were involved in this wonderful performance!

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