Trial By Jury and The Pirates of Penzance

Trial by Jury

This G & S show is not often performed, possibly because it is so short.  This does give the Society an excellent chance to showcase it’s talents by performing another show alongside Trial.

Tees Valley’s Trial was a master-class in how traditional G and S works can be transformed by presenting it in a totally modern context, with the ever-present court photographers taking photos of the celebrities, the bored jurors reading their morning newspapers and eating food, with the janitor ensuring the court-room is clean for the proceedings – and just to mention that the dog gave an added touch of humour.

Let us not forget the excellent singing.  This was all in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan.  Eddie Grafton (The learned Judge) entertained us with “When I good Friends Was Call’d to the Bar).  Frances Cook (Counsel for the Plaintiff) set the scene for the trial with David Beall (The Defendant) pleading with the jury “Oh Gentleman Llisten I Pray”,  Lisa Harding (The Plaintiff) was gracious in her role.  All supporting roles were well played, adding superbly to the production.

The Pirates of Penzance

The second part of the evening was their presentation of this very popular G and S Operetta.  There was a large cast of some 35 members for this production, filling stage and theatre with some fine singing.  As with many G and S shows “Pirates” is a somewhat satirical show, poking fun at the issues of the day – unlicensed pirates and copyright problems.  Gordon Smyrell (The Pirate King) dominated the opening with his fine voice, supported by his fellow pirates.  Samantha Holden (Mabel, one of the Major-general’s daughters) entertained us with her excellent soprano voice by singing “Poor Wandering One” with the help of a strong chorus of maidens.  Alistair Bolton (Major-General Stanley) gave a good performance as the bumbling Major General, showing he was “the very model of a modern Major General” to the amusement of the audience.  I particularly liked the exchange between the Pirate king and the Major- General confusing “often” with “orphan”. This piece of dialogue was well acted.

The other eight principals gave strong performances.  In particular Daniel Matuszak (Frederic – the Pirate Apprentice) and Anna Maria Jackson (Ruth) shone in their roles and provided some comedy.  All principals and chorus performed well, with their actions and fights giving a touch of realism.

Scenery by Proscenium assisted by Jean Scarlett-Carr, with costumes by Alan Graham and Sharon Bolton added considerably to the ambience of the evening.  The large orchestra, under the baton of Stephen Sild, was well  controlled.

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