The Pirates of Penzance

This was the last of four performances of the show at different locations and the challenges that touring presents to any society are enormous.  But Hull Savoyards didn’t let this affect them with a super production of one of the most popular G&S operas.

Right from the overture, performed by the Kingston Savoy Orchestra, to the final moments there were some lovely presentations from many contributors and I must start with Alice Giblin who gave a wonderful performance as Mabel.  She really has a lovely voice which just seems to grow and grow every year and one can only wonder what the future holds for her.  But it’s not just the voice, it’s her infectious enthusiasm on stage which everyone seems to warm to.

Another really good performance came from Peter Perkins, experienced but relatively new to this society, as Frederic.  He sang and acted his part extremely well, bringing out a good deal of humour.  His duets with Alice were lovely and very sensitively played.

The strength of the leads in the production was enhanced with Paul Anderson as an excellent Major General, the highly proficient Steve Aylmer as The Pirate King, Catherine Arrowsmith-Cooper as Pirate Maid Ruth (very good) and, once again, a maturing Joseph Marshall leading the team of police as The Sergeant.

The Major General’s unwed daughters were well led by Laurine Kay as Edith, Jenny Riddle (Kate) and Elizabeth Franklin as Isabel.

This was, as always, very much a team effort and it was all rounded off by some superb chorus singing both from the ladies and the men.  There was an effective set each for both Acts and the backstage and wardrobe members all contributed well to a really entertaining and enjoyable production.

Excellent.

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