The Pirates of Penzance

I have seen this very popular G&S operetta many times and I’m sure Alan Borthwick has directed it several times but this was a fresh, imaginative production brimming with fun, humour and wonderful singing. When so many companies these days suffer from a shortage of men, it was most encouraging to see a chorus of 24 raucous, ferocious pirates led by the energetic Pirate King (Scott Thomson) command the stage at the opening of the production They are of course celebrating Frederic’s 21st birthday, complete with balloons, and the end of his apprenticeship and they did so in style and with gusto.

Michael McFarlane was a dashing Frederic with an impressive tenor voice and engaging stage presence. Susanne Horsburgh (Ruth) gave a strong performance as she did her best to entice Frederic to love her and convince him that she was indeed attractive. But despite her somewhat coy and subtle approach her efforts are in vain and he falls for Mabel, one of Major Stanley’s daughters. Again this company is fortunate in having such a vocally strong female chorus. It is said that the art of acting is all about reacting and this was most certainly the case with this cast. The entire company was constantly involved with all the action. The ladies all doing their keep fit exercise on the beach, their completely o.t.t reactions and swooning over the pirates and individual characterisations all added to the humour.

The chorus of foot tapping policemen too were very well choreographed and at times reminded me of the wonderfully comic Keystone cops. Andrew Crawford as Sergeant of police gave a very assured performance and little touches like the blue flashing light on the policeman’s helmet all added to the fun.

There were some very memorable principal performances.

Ian Lawson was a splendid,lively  (Major-General Stanley) with excellent comedy timing and perfect diction in his patter song ‘I am the very model of a modern Major General’  complete with pantomime style horse! Gillian Robertson (Mabel) has the most amazing, soaring voice and I did enjoy her interpretation of the part. This was a Mabel who was a real diva, completely overdramatic and feisty. ‘Poor Wandering One‘ was verging on being ‘sent up’ but non the less was one of the shows highlights.

Although this was a production which was effervescent and romped along, there were also some tranquil moments. The love duet with Mabel and Frederic in act two was absolutely beautiful and you could have heard a pin drop in the auditorium. ‘Hail Poetry ‘ was also a magical moment made more so by the falling glitter.

This was a well nigh flawless production. The singing by both principals and ensemble was outstanding. A magnificent set, most attractive costumes and superb orchestra all added to this first class production which, in my opinion, could rival any professional production.

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