The Pirates of Penzance

The presentation was thoroughly entertaining with some very humorous extra touches which did nothing to detract from the masters’ original. It is such a hilarious story and considerable efforts had been made to point the comedy. The policemen were particularly funny with their nod to Joseph Papp. The company was led by some good principal performances, especially Mabel who, as Gilbert & Sullivan demanded, dominated proceedings with her fine voice and charming portrayal. She & Frederic made a lovely couple. There was some good singing from the company. It was so good to hear the basses. Of course, it was particularly amusing for me to watch Brian Oliver (the local Regional Representative) having such fun with some nice individual touches. It was good to see a new generation coming to the fore. Here were some of the stars of the future. It was so encouraging to see them so well integrated into proceedings.

It was so fortunate to be complemented by such a wonderfully sensitive orchestra.  A beautifully warm tone was produced, with Sullivan’s fabulous woodwind colouring brought out and, as Sullivan would have wished, some lovely warm tone from the brass. The reception given to the orchestra after the 'play out' was heartily deserved.

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