11:21am Monday 22nd June 2009
CARL Rosa’s opera production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s musical masterpiece, HMS Pinafore, sailed into Windsor this week and immediately had a well versed audience running up more flags.
This timeless classic of love conquering class across social barriers, also known as The Lass that Loved a Sailor, went down a storm at the Theatre Royal.
This two act jaunt through sea shanty, timber shivering songs that most people know without realising where they come from is directed in a slick, bracing manner by Peter Mulloy.
Hats off to him and the entire cast for a quite mesmeric production.
The story is quite simple, and that’s its brilliance. The first Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter, is coming aboard to propose marriage to Josephine, the daughter of Pinafore Captain Corcoran. She, however, is in love with lowly Jack tar sailor Ralph, who is in love with her. Ship’s woman Buttercup, is in love with the captain but none of them know how to cross the social and class divide which separates them from marrying above or below their status.
What follows is intrigue, plotting and planning that ends in a manoeuvre which sees everyone happy.
This is G & S at its very best with wonderful set, dancing, mannerism typical of the G & S period.
With favourites like ‘I’m Called Little Buttercup’, ‘My Gallant Crew Good Morning’, ‘A British Tar is a Soaring Soul’, ‘Carefully on Tip-Toe Stealing’ and ‘Oh joy, oh Rapture Unforeseen!’ both ardent lovers of G & S and those who come to it fresh could not want a better operetta.
The exceedingly brilliant Fenton Gray played Sir Joseph Porter instead of John Savident of Coronation Street fame. And what a superb performance he turned in, wincing, mincing, great stage voice and wonderful mannerisms so part of the G & S style.
Olivia Safe, who plays captain Corcoran’s daughter Josephine has an outstanding voice, her rendition of Sorry Her Lot Who Loves Too Well was an absolute delight.
Jeremy Finch as lowly tar Ralph Rackstraw again was a resounding success with great presence on stage.
Wyn Pencarreg as Pinafore captain Corcoran displays a subtle and versatile yet powerful baritone voice which sits nicely with G & S. He displays great poise and understanding in the role.
Gareth Jones is a despicably wonderful Dick Deadeye, the ship’s hated traitor who gives the young lovers away.
And Beverly Klein is just a brilliant Buttercup.
This production is possibly the best I have seen of any G & S in some years. It really is a voyage around the brilliant minds of this prolific pairing. Their words convey meaning seldom used in any play or musical these days. Subtlety of intelligence, careful wordplay, innuendo and vision of the scenes to come are all set out in front of the audience to follow.
A bygone class so lavishly brought to the stage today. Hip, Hip Hooray, put out more flags please.
Paul Thomas
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