The Pirates of Penzance

This was Aberdeen YMT’s first foray into the world of Gilbert and Sullivan and I hope it won’t be their last! From the acrobatic entrance of the Pirates to the Megamix Finale this production was full of energy. Framed by a simple but elegant set, designed by Susan Ball, the action moved swiftly between pirate’s hideout to beach to ruined chapel. Sean Farmery was a suitably strutting and preening Pirate King making the most of the comedy in the character. In this he was well supported by his two trusty lieutenants Samuel (Sebastian) and a kilted Joe Reid (Roderick). Matthew Grainger as Frederic and Kirsty McNaughton as Mabel made a handsome couple, their voices blending well in the duet “How Beautifully Blue the Sky”. Kirsty had a magnificent soprano voice shown to its best in “Poor Wandering One”. Robyn Smith as Ruth, Frederic’s erstwhile nursemaid, also had a delightful contralto voice and good comic timing. Calum Armstrong was an imposing Major-General Stanley with beautifully clear diction in his delivery of “A Modern Major-General”. Ewan Bruce as The Sergeant of Police and his motley crew of officers added greatly to the comedy in their rendition of “When a Felon’s Not Engaged in his Employment”. Mention too must be made of the trio of Eleanor Cozens (Edith), Brooke Smith (Kate) and Emily Grant (Isabel) as Mabel’s saucy sisters. Singing and dancing by the chorus was excellent – their singing prowess being particularly showcased in the acapella “Hail, Poetry!”.  Costuming was colourful and appropriate to each character. Another professional standard production by this talented company – well done!

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