THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera written by Arthur Sullivan and W S Gilbert. The official premiere was in New York at the Fifth Avenue Theatre on 31st December 1879; it opened in London on 3rd April 1880 at the Opera Comique. The story tells of Frederic who after reaching his 21st year is released from his apprenticeship with a band of tender-hearted pirates. He meets the daughters of Major-General Stanley; he falls instantly in love with Mabel, one of the daughters …

The fifteen-piece orchestra, under the musical direction of Dave Anstice-Pim was fantastic the overture was amazing, and the orchestra played throughout the performance with great professionalism. Well done Dave for bringing out the best musically in all the performers. The direction by Shona Gilchrist was excellent. The actors were well cast and well-rehearsed; the performance had a great pace and the scenes flowed one to another with ease. I must mention too the producer, Linda Davy, who I am told went above and beyond to bring this production to the stage.

The principal actors were all excellent and sustained their characters very well. Phil Kendall gave a dazzling performance as Frederic and had a fine voice. Cat Lee as Mabel was beautiful with a beautiful voice too. A great performance too came from Mike Gray, as The Pirate King. Tim Sell as Major General Stanley gave a performance that I enjoyed very much. Special mention too for Paula Fraser as Ruth, Paul Harman as Samuel, Vivienne Harman as Samantha, Amanda King as Edith, Karen Elliott as Commander of the Guards and David Mills in his dual roles. Well done to the ensemble who gave their all throughout the show. I loved all the full company numbers; and particularly “A rollicking band of pirates we” and “With cat-like tread”.

The set was excellent and very well dressed throughout, all the props were of a high standard. The costumes were excellent too and enhanced the performance greatly. The sound and lighting quality was very good throughout the evening.

Congratulations to Wolverton G&S Society for this wonderful performance of The Pirates of Penzance which I enjoyed very much.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.