The Pirates of Penzance

The venture into G&S was, I was led to believe, not a regular occurrence for this close knit friendly society. If that is the case I would seriously suggest they consider it in future as they made this Australian version of the popular G&S classic a very enjoyable production.
Leading the bunch of soft natured pirates in spectacularly flamboyant manner was the Pirate King (Gareth Graham) assisted by his sidekick Samuel (Adam Waugh). Frederic (Malcolm Alderson) was the man celebrating his 21st birthday and seemingly out of apprenticed indenture to his pirate masters through accident of his childhood nurse Ruth (Carla Dupree) mistaking a pilot for a pirate. Both played well against each other, especially when Ruth tries to convince Fredric that she is still a ‘beauty’.
Eventually the game is up as Fredric meets up with and converses with the daughters of the Major General - Edith, Isabel and Kate (Sarah Healy, Kirsten Dupree and Chantel Dupree) – before eventually becoming besotted with the Major’s other daughter Mabel (Pamela Alderson). As befits all G&S productions the singing was well done and melodic and testament to the direction of MD John Hopkinson who seemed to get drawn into the action on stage at regular occurrences – including a ‘duel’ between the Pirate King with cutlass and himself with baton!

Sergeant of the Police (Aaron Thomas) led his motley band of cowardly constables with gusto. Set, costume and ‘technical’ were well adapted to the playing area and the whole production complemented by the fine chorus.

Lastly a special mention to 16 year old Oliver Jennings playing the role of Major General Stanley – he stole the show with his fast and well enunciated patter songs and his fine stage presence. One to watch for the future.

Well done Woodlands – I hope to see you in the future.

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