The Pirates of Penzance

I was delighted to be invited to see Grenoside and Birley Carr Players perform The Pirates of Penzance , a classic opera by the famous duo of Gilbert and Sullivan ,so you know you are in for a musical treat when you consider the everlasting skill and vision of two of the all-time best and worldly acknowledged writers .As the title implies the setting is the seashore in Cornwall but unlike the tales of evil pirates this particular band weaken at the thought of any person that is an orphan, so whilst their supposed toughness is portrayed they soon back away from any conflict. The twists and turns of love between Ruth, Frederick’s nurse maid and Frederic who was wrongly apprenticed to the pirate band, who, on reaching 21 decided to leave and search the outside world. The pirates realising his birthday was Feb 29th convinced Frederic he was really just over 5 and would have to remain a pirate for years to come. Emotional toing and froing ensue as Frederic’s desires unfold on seeing the Maidens,.Loyalties stretched as to which way to go but with twists and turns happy endings prevail. The set depicting the seashore was simplistic but totally effective only changing at the start of Act 2 into a ruined chapel with strategically placed grave stones around.

I must compliment your director Helen Dent who clearly provided such a wealth of direction not only with the prose delivery but also the overall staging and choreography, never easy when a large cast is involved but the full ensemble numbers along with small group pieces all worked well. Add to that the dedication given by your Musical Director and Accompanist, Jonathan Hester and Cory Lovell to bring out the best from the multi-talented group, the solos, duets and group numbers clearly heard and delivered without a microphone in sight.

A wonderful opening to the piece played over two pianos set the level for what followed, no full orchestra but continued piano support throughout provided all that was required to fully appreciate and enjoy the production

There were many excellent principal performances initially with the Pirate King performed by Gary Leigh along with his Lieutenant Samuel performed by Will Scoones fronting the rousing opening in true drunken pirate frivolity. We then have Ruth performed by Elizabeth Williams, a very solo style role with excellent diction and memorable scenes with Frederic performed by Gary Baldwin who gave a truly memorable performance and singing of the highest order. Major-General Stanley performed by Brian Barber, the typical stiff upper lip type until somewhat humbled in Act 2 once realising he had betrayed his position by telling a lie. I must reference your excellent delivery of ‘I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General’ . Solid performances from James a Pirate by Thomas Otter along with the Sergent of Police performed by George Van Der Riet with an excellent rich voice whilst fronting the police piece. I couldn’t help but see a touch of key stone cops in some of the antics performed, great fun. Not forgetting the Major’s daughters, Mabel performed by Catherine Jackson , Edith performed by Hannah Thorpe, Kate performed by Alice Marsden along with Isabel performed by Liberty Richardson. Isabel beautifully portraying the shy quiet one, whilst Mabel, Edith and Kate all quite different in their respective characterizations sang and acted beautifully.  I really enjoyed ‘Poor Wand’ring One ‘by Mabel along with the many others sung by you all. The supporting performances by both the ladies and Gentlemen of the ensemble were a joy to watch. The singing throughout was excellent with clear harmonies and balance. This production had so many memorable moments, a tough pirate hurting his finger when returning his sword, the fainting by Edith after her kiss, the ladies of being seen whilst removing shoes and tights, the interactions of Police to stage right and the Pirates to stage left and many more. The costumes were a delight throughout from the Pirates to the Maidens, to the Major, dress and undressed night attire. The props well thought out even to using what looked like clay pipes keeping the period authentic along with atmospheric lighting all adding to the overall production.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening with a lovely warm welcome from many of your FOH members.

If you haven’t already purchased your tickets please don’t miss this excellent portrayal of The Pirates of Penzance.

Philip Smith

Noda North East District 6 Regional Rep

 

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