The Pirates of Penzance

Warmly welcomed back to where we were only the week before, we were welcomed by Suzanne Hall and taken to our seats. There had been a collaboration between "Chesil Theatre" and WOMS to use the same staging, (great to see the local societies working together), and although small and simple it was very effectivly used. This Performance of The Pirates of Penzance was set in 1950's and the backdrop was a simple line of "Swimming Tents" for act one and the Baronial Hall for Act two. The show was well stage managed by Angie Barks, who had her work cut out with the flats with the occaisional large gusts of wind. We settled in...

This was a well crafted, professional and entertainining show. The costumes were very colourful and very effective in transporting us to a bygone era. Both the male and female principals and  chorus in act one were spot on musically, with clear singing and brilliant diction. even allowing for being outside we could hear every word. The songs, hugely recognisable were sung with real love and gusto and most were intertwined seamlessly with famous songs of the 1950's, Hound Dog, Fever, Love me Tender and so on. It really brought something new. A brilliant Idea.

The band, ably led by Martin Patterson were equally enjoying themselves and the musical accompanyment from them moved the show along at an entertaining lick. The Major General, played  by David Tatnell sang the "i am the very model" to a whole new patter of words all aimed at the last 18 months and the Covid 19 effect. Delivered brilliantly and clearly. Notable performances here also by Kate Hickson as Ruth, Dan Hickson as Frederick (despite, maybe, being a slightly"older" Frederick but with a fabulous tenor voice) and  Rob Preston as The Pirate King, full of enthusiasm and playing to the audience extremley well. The fact is though all of the cast were very high quality. Chorreography, simple well drilled and very effective. Everyone on stage was having such a good time, this reall shone through and came over to the audience.

The second act started with a new backdrop and the introduction of the Sgt of Police (Alan Morgan) and his troup, which turned out to be as members of the WI, again a wonderful Idea that had us all in stitches. and "a Policemans lot" took on a whole new meaning! As the sun began to set the simple and yet really effective lighting (Tony Lawther)  took over and just added that little bit of extra to finish the show off to huge cheers and great applause.

This was a colourful and joyous performance, everyone of whom should be rightly proud of what they have achieved given all the trials, tribulations and difficulties that producing a show of this quality over "zoom" and with a very small "outdoor" rehearsal period placed in fron of them. First rate and ten out of ten.

 

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