The Pirates of Penzance

The Pirates of Penzance is probably one of the most popular Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. It tells the story of Frederic, an orphan boy who was mistakenly apprenticed to a pirate instead of a pilot. He is looking forward to leaving his pirate career on his 21st birthday only to discover that he was born on a leap year and is persuaded that he is only actually 5 years of age and faces a real dilemma.

The audience fell silent in the theatre as they listened to the overture played by a wonderful, well directed orchestra whose playing throughout was a pleasure to listen to. The opening scene with raucous pirates celebrating Frederic’s birthday was vivacious and had a real party atmosphere complete with balloons and hilarity. This cast of rollicking pirates was very well drilled particularly in ‘With Cat Like Tread.’

Mairi Coyle (Ruth) gave a convincing performance taking a delight in trying to unsuccessfully woo Frederick in her playful manner. She was partnered well with the vocally strong Sebastian Davidson (The Pirate King), another strong performer, both obviously enjoying taunting Frederick with their ‘paradox’. Andrew Crawford (Samuel) and Sebastian worked really well together with their cool wit and little asides. Keegan Siebken (Fredric) appeared a little reticent initially but settled quickly and soon came into his own no more so than in his gorgeous scene and duet with Mabel in Act 2.

Major-General Stanley is a fun part which requires someone with agility and perfect diction. Colin Povey certainly had these skills. His articulation was excellent in the well known ‘I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General’ and his number in Act 2 was very well delivered. I loved the gimmicks with the night cap concealed in the cuddly toy and also the large slippers!.

Major-General Stanley has a rather large family of charming daughters and the ladies of the company looked splendid in their crinoline dresses. They all worked together as a group in some of the stylised moves but also developed individual characters acting and reacting. Alan Borthwick always adds a freshness to his productions so seeing this group of ladies doing their work outs having climbed over rocky mountains was interesting. Angela Fowler’s characterisation of Isabel left us in no doubt that she was love sick and very anxious to get her man. The only daughter willing to marry Frederic is Mabel. Megan Bowen (Mabel) gave an absolutely charming performance. Totally at ease in the part, Megan has a natural stage presence and an absolutely stunning voice. Her solo ‘Poor Wand’ring One’ was superb as she soared effortlessly to the very high top notes. This part was double cast and I believe that Lorna Murray too was a superb Mabel.

As Mabel and Frederic are about to be separated they are supposed to be saved by a bumbling squad of policemen. Nathan Auerbach (Sergeant of Police) successfully conveyed his cowardliness leading the motley crew of all singing and nimble footed all dancing timid policemen. The combat between pirates and police was one of the funniest scenes. Although initially unsure of the pirates intentions, this amorous group of ladies didn’t hold back laterally with their swooning making their true feelings known.

One expects great singing from E.D.G.A.S and they didn’t disappoint. As well as having strong soloists, the ensemble work was most impressive particularly in Act 1 finale ‘Hail Poetry’ and in the double chorus of daughters and policemen in Act 2. This was altogether a vibrant, slick production where every cast member played his or her part. Good lighting enhanced the colourful costumes and set creating great atmosphere. I have seen ‘Pirates’ many times but there was a freshness about this production which I thoroughly enjoyed,

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