The Pirates Of Penzance

The Pirates of Penzance is a comic operetta composed by Arthur Sullivan with a libretto by W.S. Gilbert, first premiering in 1879, it tells the story of Frederic, a young apprentice pirate who was mistakenly apprenticed to pirates until his 21st birthday. Upon turning 21, he decides to leave the pirates and seek a more respectable life. Along the way, he falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. However, a twist arises when Frederic learns he was born on February 29th and technically has only celebrated five birthdays, meaning he must remain with the pirates for another 63 years. More complications arise when the pirates and the Major-General clash, leading to humorous misunderstandings and a resolution that brings together love, duty, and forgiveness. The operetta is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular and beloved works. Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Society and Director Rebecca De Coverley Veale took a new twist on this popular story, and in her own words “Dungeons & Dragons, lets players fashion their characters and actions in a fantasy world, but incorporates dice rolls to determine their success. This allowed me (Rebecca) to make sense of the characters and their behaviour”.

Not being familiar with Dungeons & Dragons I was thankful for the Programme notes which provided some explanations, although some aspects did go over my head a little during the performance and I was a little confused at times. This became a little clearer when I got home and explored the topic a little. 

The performance started with a devised script over the Overture, set in the home of schoolgirl Cameron, who play a game of D&D with her friends (and her annoying younger Sister) all taking on the characters in the operetta. This set the scene nicely, although the dialogue was quite tricky to hear at times both on the stage and on the platform. I also missed some of the action as it was quite difficult to twist round during the performance to see everything happening on the platform from where I was sat. 

The set was very well thought out, with the initial flats of the family home transferring to become the sides of the Pirate ship, all set downstage in front of a curtain, which when opened revealed the Fairy Glade, again very well designed, with lots of levels/staircases and nooks and crannies which were used fully throughout. The lighting design was effective and worked very well, I particularly liked the lighting of Princess Maybelle, on her first appearance, which looked stunning. The main company were not individually mic’d but didn’t need it as I heard every word. The children’s scenes were though and as a whole were cued well. There was an initial problem with one character’s microphone which was a shame as I lost her lines.

The balance between vocalists and orchestra was excellent. Musical Director John Pitts ably led the orchestra and controlled the pace.

Costumes were all great and in keeping with the theme, the details on the fairy costumes in particular were lovely. A special mention for the make-up, it was fantastic, and so creative.

 

In reviewing the Principal Characters: 

Tabletop Players: I love seeing younger performers fully incorporated into G&S, and you were all so enthusiastic, and clearly developed your characters well. Just be careful with speed of dialogue and keeping diction clear so that the audience can fully hear everything and really benefit from your strong performances.

Frederic. I see from the programme that you stepped in with only 6 weeks rehearsals, very well done. Lovely vocals and a nice sincerity in your performance.

Pirate King.Something very Pirates Of The Caribbean and Jack Sparrow-esque in this portrayal which worked very well. Great vocals and lots of comedic moments well done.

Princess Maybelle - delightfully pure soprano voice, lovely tone. Really enjoyed the impact in your first entrance, it looked stunning. 

Major-General StanleyYo. ur rendition of “I am the very model…” was very clear. I also enjoyed the additional verse; you delivered the song's tongue-twisting lyrics with precision. 

Ruthgar Stormhammer. This was very well portrayed, showing the loyalty to the Pirates and fondness to Frederic. Some funny moments and a great beard!

Sergeant Of Police. Another sincere and memorable performance, providing some comic flair. I really enjoyed your performance in “When a Felon..”

Samuel Stormsworn. A strong physical performance complementing the antics of the Pirate King.

Fey Soloists: Some strong performances, and lovely vocals, very ethereal.

The entire Chorus were very strong, with so much to see and hear. They all had individual character traits that were very clearly demonstrated. Just be a little careful not to distract too much from the main action it’s a fine balance. The singing was beautiful. I loved the Act 1 finale and “Hail, Poetry” was stunning. Again, I’d like to mention my enjoyment in seeing younger members fully incorporated in the production.

Thank you so much for a lovely evening’s entertainment. I heard some lovely comments from the audience as I left the theatre. Well done to everyone involved.

 

                             PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future an

 

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