The Pirates of Penzance

I have to confess that I am not normally very fond of Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. However, this updated script and score was a delight from beginning to end, with some lively music and a lot of comedy. The entire cast showed a huge sense of enjoyment, with great energy and commitment to the tongue-in-cheek nature of this script.
Principal parts were played well and there was some good ensemble work. The Pirate King showed a great sense of swagger, and worked well with his pirate band and with the other Principals. It is no mean feat to both direct and act in a piece, and this gentleman is to be complimented on his achievements in both disciplines. The actress cast as Mabel is blessed with an exquisite singing voice and it was a real pleasure to listen to her and there was a nice chemistry between her and Frederic. The four daughters were an absolute delight; from their first entrance they entertained hugely. They managed the difficult task of creating four individual characters, yet were also a cohesive group. Ruth gave a high-octane performance, working well with Frederic, and with some nice asides to the audience. The Major-General was charming, and his patter song was a highlight.  I must also give a special mention to the four young policemen, who gave very mature and energetic performances, under the watchful eye of their Sergeant. 
There were some lovely comic touches, rather too numerous to mention, although I particularly liked the Major-General's description of the treatment he feared at the hands of the Pirates, which was very clever and hilarious. The interplay between the actors and the band worked well, and the kick-line in Act 2 was well performed. The daughters' use of umbrellas, cigarettes and sunglasses in various scenes left the audience wondering just what they would be doing next! 
The three-piece band played well, under the excellent leadership of an MD who at times threatened to upstage the actors!  Apart from a few occasions when the balance wasn't quite right in chorus numbers, the singing was generally good. The end of Act 1, 'Men of Dark and Dismal Fate' was sung beautifully and provided a very powerful ending to the Act. Another favourite was 'With Cat-Like tread' which had some excellent dynamics.
Direction was good, with some real attention to detail, and there was a sense of discipline on stage, despite the fact that everyone was obviously enjoying themselves! There was some accomplished choreography, particularly of the policemen, who were given quite an energetic and very modern routine which they performed with aplomb.
The set was very simple with a painted backcloth of the sea. In Act 1 this was enhanced by the bow of a pirate ship 'sailing' on, complete with a skull and crossbones flag which was used to good comic effect in one of the songs when the halyard was cut, dropping the flag. In Act 2 a canvas 'wall' was placed centre stage. This was well painted but not solid enough to suit it's purpose and it perhaps could have been more effective if it had been weighted, or if a solid flat were used. The addition of a stone slab downstage left and a superbly realistic Cornish stone cross downstage right gave a nice depth to the stage in Act 2.
Lighting was uncomplicated throughout (perhaps due to the limitations of the venue) but it was used appropriately. The strobe effect in Act 2 was well cued, and the use of moving lights in the finale added to the party atmosphere. Sound reproduction was good; even though I was very close to the band, it was still possible to hear everything that was sung.
Costumes for the chorus of pirates were simple but effective. Hair was appropriately dressed and the wigs used for the daughters were lovely, complemented by their superb make up.
Props were appropriate and well used, although the pirate chest in Act 1 looked a little flimsy.  However, when it was moved, the actors gave a good sense of the weight of it, making it appear quite heavy.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that both cast and audience had spent a very enjoyable evening together. If only Gilbert & Sullivan operettas were always performed with this degree of energy and originality, I might turn into a fan! Thank you for a superbly entertaining show.

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