The Pirates Of Penzance

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by the Front of House team and met the Musical Director and Director at the end of the performance.

 I was once again impressed by the stage which had been built along one wall which created a wide stage but with little depth. The simple but highly effective set was cleverly designed and painted by Vicky Rosenthal assisted by Peter Cook and consisted of reversible flats which depicted a beach with the pirate ship, The Penzance, anchored in the bay. There was also a platform offshore resembling the Sealand platform. The original small stage to one side became the sound deck of the pirate radio ship. Good use of lighting was evidenced and some very realistic sound effects were observed eg sound of waves lapping the shore and seagulls crying. Costumes, sourced by Zoe Stephens were period relevant and  colourful. There were several costume changes for all the cast. I thought that the dresses worn by the daughters and girls were very attractive particularly when accessorised with matching knee high boots !

And of course they were carrying transistors!

The script was an updated version with the action taking place off the North Essex coast during the 1960s at the time of the pirate radio ships with lots of  hidden humour and farcical twists throughout. There was plenty for the large chorus of pirates, police, daughters, friends and aunts to do with lively ensemble numbers and an extra song for the chorus of girls.

The production had been well cast with some splendid voices amongst the principals. Accompaniment throughout was delivered by the excellent pianist Joe Richardson who has provided superb musical support to this society for a number of years. Joe was joined by Dan Edwards on percussion.

Phil Stephens was a very realistic but bumbling Pirate King with strong vocals who led the opening chorus, I Am A Pirate King. His lieutenant, Sam, played by Nancy Hughes acted the role brilliantly with an enormous stage presence. Des Newell was the earnest and engaging Pirate Apprentice, Frederic who acted the role well with strong characterisation. His voice range was varied and powerful both in duets and ensemble numbers.

I loved David Wiggins’ interpretation of the role of Major-General Stanley and he delivered his rendition of I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General really well. Peter Bather was a bold and brash Sergeant of Police leading the chorus of police in the well known A Policeman’s Lot Is Not A Happy One. However when conflict approached he rather lost his nerve !

Fiona Morris was a great Ruth, nursemaid to young Frederic and they had a sensitive duet of When Frederic Was A Little Lad with their voices complimenting each other. The five daughters of the Major- General, Edith ( Zoe Stephens), Kate (Sara Nice ), Isabel(Athena Magna-Evans),Margo(Madison Bennett) and Mabel ( Natasha Bennett) all played their characters well and had good vocals. Especially Natasha, as Mabel who had one of the most compelling and powerful female voices which I have heard on stage recently. She had two particularly emotive duets with the lovelorn Frederic and their voices blended totally.

Special congratulations to Musical Director Hilary Brunning for her ability to bring out the very best from the range of voices and to Director Helen Chambers, for her creativity and imagination in bringing this favourite operetta to stage.

Well done to everyone involved. It was very enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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