The Pirates of Penzance
There is an air of expectation in the Wilton’s Music Hall for this all-male performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. This particular production, directed by Sasha Regan, was first performed in 2009 at the Union Theatre and continued to be performed for the next decade. It clearly has a following and has been taken to the heart of G&S fans, and from the outset it is easy to see why.
One may ask what an all-male cast brings to the party, especially in 2024. The answer is a lot of humour! Firstly the skill of the cast in appearing as burly pirates one minute and then delicate and dainty daughters of the Major-General the next, is entertaining in itself.
Then there is the vocal dexterity of those playing female parts. Sustaining a flawless falsetto with the range of vocal runs that Sullivan writes for the characters is stunning. Everyone is exceptional, but a particular mention goes to Robert Wilkes (Ruth) and Luke Garner-Greene (Mabel) who sustain the technique for most of the show. Garner-Greene is making his professional debut in this performance.
There is so much to like in this production, that is performed seriously but played for utter absurdity and laughs. The direction is superb with some lovely touches: the daughters peering through some props as though they are reeds; the subtle dragging off of one of the daughters who has fainted at the presence of the pirates; the scene between the Pirate King (Tom Newland), Ruth and Frederic (Cameron McAllister) requiring each of them to adopt one of three poses dictated by the movement of one of them, keeping each of them on their toes!
Lizzi Gee’s choreography achieves stunning results. The synchronicity of the sequence with the police, giving all the vibes of the Keystone Cops, is particularly striking.
I must give a mention to Musical Director Giannis Giannopoulos, who accompanies the whole performance, on the piano. You might imagine that the accompaniment could be thin, since the piece is more traditionally orchestrated, but this is not the case. Giannopoulos is flawless, and the musicality of the whole cast is tight.
The audience appreciation tells me all I need to know about this production. The laughs are frequent, and more than polite. The comedic values are all there: physical comedy, subtle facial expressions, lines delivered with perfect timing.
There really is no fault in this production. It’s the very model of a night of pure joy! By your ticket and set sail with the Pirates!
This show was reviewed on the 31st October 2024 at Wilton's Music Hall, London where it runs until the 23rd November 2024. Tickets available here: The Pirates of Penzance - Wilton's Music Hall
Review written by Ian Worsfold
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Photo credit: Mark Senior
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