Pirate mayhem. Photo credit: Ron Bullions
I had the pleasure of being invited to review GSOS's production of
The Pirates of Penzance. Having seen a production of this comedy opera at the Opera House many years ago, my memory of the play was that it was funny and I remembered one of the songs, 'I am the very model of the Major-General'.
Major-General Stanley was played by Mitch Bryson and he did a wonderful rendition of this iconic song. He had the audience laughing and tapping along to the speed of this song, it was hilarious and brilliant at the same time. Honestly, it's rapping G&S style.
Mitch Bryson as Major-General Stanley. Photo Credit: Ron Bullions
This production was directed by Victoria Watson and choreographed by Sarah Pearce, who both aptly allowed the comedic themes to flow (with a few added contemporary touches), and Musical Director Rod Mounjed did a brilliant job with the G&S score. Pirates of Penzance does have a long overture, which when nothing is happening onstage, needs perfect timing.
Toby Page's Sergeant of Police is hilarious. Photo credit: Ron Bullions
As the curtain rises we see Frederic (Daniel Verchuer), the apprentice pirate who has come of age ready to leave and make an honest life for himself. However, Ruth (Zoe Arthur) and the Pirate King (Chris Lewis) have other ideas for young Frederic.
What follows is lots of confusion, love squabbles, pirate tricks and the Major-General's lovely daughters - Mabel (Sarah Arnold), Edith (Laura Griffin), Kate (Angelique Tot) and Isabel (Holly Champion), becoming embroiled in Frederic's new found life.
The whole cast seemed to be having a wonderful time but I have to give a special mention to Sarah Arnold whose beautiful soprano voice was just gorgeous and to Toby Page, who played the Sergeant of Police, with his unexpected baritone and first-rate comic timing.
The other two cast members who were brilliant with their comedy acting (as well as their singing) were Zoe Arthur and Chris Lewis.
Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance performed by GSOS. Photo credit: Ron Bullions
Also needing a mention are the beautiful costumes by Costumier Sandi Tutt and her team of volunteers. Along with Bradley Hawkin's set design, they took you to another world of the late 1800s on an idyllic beach in Cornwall, England and the grounds of a dilapidated church.
Buy your tickets and go along and see
The Pirates of Penzance for some hilarious entertainment in a production that is well worth seeing, at extremely reasonable prices compared to mainstream theatre.
The whole cast enjoyed themselves. Photo credit: Ron Bullions
