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The Pirates Of Penzance' Winterbourne Musical Theatre Winterbourne, Bristol April 2008
Director - Maggie Williams M.D. - Heather Wren
Accompanist - Katie Robson
This was Gilbert & Sullivan as I have never seen it before! The traditional story with all the familiar songs sung beautifully and as they were originally written, but with so many extras, both visual and spoken, that it was difficult to know where to look for fear of missing something! A fast paced production that had the audience joining in with the songs, (which were accompanied by a very talented and accomplished pianist), a good use of the stage and auditorium, deckchairs, barbeques, Frederic's deodorant, drunken pirates, and even an extra verse for 'The Modern Major General' (incorporating i-pods, mobile phones and 'Strictly Come Dancing'), when the Pirate King, (quite rightly) observed that he wasn't very modern at all! All set within the original time of the piece, which made it even funnier and played absolutely straight by the cast, this was a very effective and highly animated production. Superb portrayals by Tony Worgan (Pirate King), Mark Beardmore (Frederic), Gerry Milward (Major) and a wonderfully camp Sergeant of Police (Mike Couzins) who minced his way through all of his scenes with remarkable finesse. Wonderful scenery incorporated a huge pirate ship, a split level stage, and excellent stone work ruins in Act 2, complete with huge stuffed owl. Costumes were colourful and in keeping with the era, highly effective lighting was varied and always spot on cue. Vocals, dialogue and characterisations were all splendidly delivered and great fun was had by all. A superb evening's entertainment that we really didn't want to end and that will stay in the memory for a long, long time! Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan themselves would have loved it! Absolutely Superb!
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