[written for The Public Reviews]
Having never seen a Gilbert and Sullivan opera, I wasn't sure what to expect of H.M.S Pinafore and wondered whether it would be twee and old fashioned, dating as it does from the end of the 19th century. I was pleasantly surprised by a performance which was a hilarious riot; an incredibly entertaining way to spend two hours. Of course the plot isn't meant to be serious; it lampoons the English class system, pokes fun at the royal navy and every character is flamboyantly unrealistic. This isn't high art but it is a an enduring piece of farce which has stood the test of time and is still gloriously funny.
Captain of the H.M.S. Pinafore, Corcoran has a beautiful daughter, Josephine, who he hopes to marry off to Sir Joseph Porter, a ludicrous old man. She, however, is in love with Ralph Rackstraw, a lowly sailor. Much hilarity ensues as Josephine wonders whether to follow her heart or the social code which would have her marry her equal, or her better if it can be managed. A last minute plot twist results in a revelation which turns hierarchy on its head and allows true love to prevail while curiously reinforcing the very class system it purports to repudiate.
In the intimate setting of The King's Head Theatre, what could have been just another run of a well-worn classic was in fact a rather special 'boutique' performance. It felt exclusive because the space was small, but also because the quality of the performance was so high. The cast were magnificent singers with excellent comic timing, without exception. I felt that nothing would be gained from seeing a production in a big theatre apart from more sumptuous costumes and set design; the music, provided by The Eaton-Young Piano Duo, and the singing were top drawer and the atmosphere created by our proximity to the performers could not have been equalled in a larger production.
It was encouraging to see an audience demographic that actually went some way towards representing the community – there were people of all ages, from pensioners mouthing the words, to young children who had to be restrained by their parents from storming the stage during some of the more energetic numbers. H.M.S. Pinafore could be seen as a non-festive pantomime for grown-ups but in fact it is suitable for children even though this isn't billed as family entertainment.
John Savournin, the director of this production and the artistic director of Charles Court Opera (the company of performers which has a strong commitment to collaborating with young performers), is a brilliantly pompous Captain Corcoran. All of the young performers are talented actors and singers but special mention should go to Sebastian Valentine for his deliciously dastardly Dick Deadeye, Rosie Strobel for her spirited Little Buttercup, Susan Moore for her ingeniously idiosyncratic Cousin Hebe and Ian Belsey for his witty and theatrical Sir Joseph Porter. But it is the entire cast, who performed with such energy and gusto, which makes this production un-missable; I will definitely be recommending it to everyone – a real treat.
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