The Pirates of Penzance

The first performance of the new touring season for The West Yorkshire Savoyards commenced at the Paramount Cinema Penistone last night with another wonderful Alistair Donkin production of The Pirates of Penzance.  This was a most impressive and well crafted production, a musical treat delivered in true Gilbert and Sullivan style, a firm favourite with all G & S fans, full of fun, laughter and comical interludes throughout.

A well chosen cast of principals, a dashing Frederic, (Leon Abraham) in excellent voice and was perfectly matched by a beautiful Mabel (Helen Fieldsend) who enthralled her audience, loved her little contretemps with the M. D. in the middle of Poor Wand'ring One in Act one.

Good singing from The Pirate King (John Colston) who led the band of infamous Pirates with Ruth, a piratical-maid-of-all-work, (Janice Rendel).  A delightful performance from Major-General Stanley, (Graham Weston) in both diction and singing, he delivered a wonderful portrayal of his character.  Lots more comedy from the Sergeant of Police, (David Parker) and his little band of comical policemen.  Major Genreal-Stanley's duitful daughters were in fine form especially Edith, Kate and Isabel.  All other small cameo parts were well played.

The excellent Orchestra under the baton of Oliver Longstaff was once again an absolute delight to listen to, good lighting and colourful costumes added to the overall picture.

How lovely to see a full house especially for a G & S production of this calibre.  Well done, my sincere congratulations to all.

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