The Pirates of Penzance

“The Pirates of Penzance” is the first Gilbert & Sullivan show to be performed by this talented and energetic young company, and I hope it is not the last.  As the director was a leading member of the company for many years himself, it was intriguing to see how the production was set and staged, as the high energy levels and quality of acting and singing are a given for this society.  The set comprised several wooden boxes, ropes, a trunk, some barrels and a pirate flag. These varying levels and spaces were well used in the opening scene, giving room for cartwheels and flips by the pirates on entry.  The suggestion of the pirate ship and Cornish cove was very effective. Act 2 was set with large gravestones by the exits and a row of smaller stones along the back. The attention to detail was evident throughout the show.   In this scene each large headstone was inscribed with some fitting ‘famous last words’.  The whole set was well lit throughout using coloured floodlights, spots, various gobos and smoke machine to enhance the action and atmosphere, with a lovely spooky darkness to the opening of the second Act graveyard. 

The orchestra was discretely situated at the front of the stage area, creating the maximum space for all the action and pace this show afforded.  The music was very well played, working to support the singers throughout the show.  The sound was good, with only a small hiccup at one stage.  All the main cast had personal mics which worked well, with diction being clear and precise for the demands of a challenging G&S score.  The costumes were wonderfully colourful and lit up the stage beautifully, in contrast to the black curtaining around, while the make-up was well used to create bold characters.  The choreography was stunning!  There were so many people on stage together, and yet the patterns of the dances and movements were clear and very well co-ordinated. 

This was a show of wonderful team work with each act producing some special characters:-

Ruth: A difficult role so well played and sung. The details of the performance, such as the embroidery were brilliant, and the change into a pirate was great!

Pirate King: He led a very good dance sequence in the “I am a pirate King” number and evoked a good reaction from the audience with his reference to a party at No.10!  He obviously much enjoyed his role.

Frederic: This is a very expressive singing voice that evoked the innocence and charm of the character. He easily won support from the audience. The Elvis song, using the 50’s style mike and the ladies’ reactions, was well considered – a great idea!

Mabel: It was a pleasure to hear and enjoy such a wonderful voice and appreciate her excellent acting! Some of those notes were high! The “Stay, Fred’ric, stay” duet was beautifully performed as an excellent duet. Congratulations to you both!

General Stanley: Wow! All those lyrics - both old and enjoyably new - in such a well-loved song. This actor took this song and made it his own, delivered with charm while stood on a food hamper! Congratulations.

His daughters: There were some lovely characterisations here, with each person acting their own part while singing and moving well.  The leaders of the group were highly memorable for their differences. Well done!

Ruth, Frederic and Pirate King: “A paradox”.  A bench was used to very good effect here, as the three people changed places. This was a seemingly simple song presented in a charming routine that brought a change of pace to the show and explained the age of our hero. Very good.

Sergeant and Police Chorus:  Just when you think there are no more surprises in come the police, complete with stylised movements, tap shoes and pink cheeks!  I loved the tools that were given out: the drill, etc. This was a comedic bonus with a hint of the Keystone Cops and the long legs and tap-dancing feet of the Sergeant. He has the most fluid facial features and used them to great advantage - a highlight of the second act. 

The connection amongst the cast members was remarkable, as they blended together in the action and singing with real confidence and joy, (keenly followed by the audience). Here was the work of a talented director who provided the tools and skills for his team and then trusted them to produce outstanding performances. This was a first-rate show and a pleasure to see a young cast and crew grasp Gilbert & Sullivan, own it, enjoy it and make it relevant for today’s audience.  

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