THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Would it be an act of piracy to breathe new life into The Pirates of Penzance? One might think that a youthful, intelligent troupe such as the Cambridge University G&S Society might consider pushing the envelope (remember those?). Despite modern dress, this was a pretty conservative outing for the delightful nonsense that is Gilbert and Sullivan. There were no knowing winks to help us through the uncomfortable misogyny against the ageing ‘Ruth’ the piratical maid whose plain features are the butt of many Gilbertian barbs (hilarious no doubt in 1879). Surely the answer is a pantomime dame Ruth?
Hampered by a serious lack of tenors and basses, the ensemble did make a brave stab and pulling off what was in many places a jolly evening at West Road Concert Hall. Among the highlights was the astonishing coloratura of soprano Sophie Ellis as Mabel. There was a knowing delight in her vocal fireworks in Poor Wandering One which brought the house down. Sebastian Blount had a strong presence as Frederick, the coming-of-age pirate who by quirk of fate can’t leave his band of Cornish brigands. There were some truly moving duets with Mabel and they both did justice to Sullivan’s endlessly melodic genius.
The chorus of daughters had lots of fizz and fun, plenty of energy and even a bit of 21st century feistiness. More of that please!
Everyone sang well though projection was often poor and most of W S Gilbert’s satirical lyrics were lost. Why can’t directors of amdram shows get their performers to sing out to the audience and not to each other? Why is there a strong physical bond between the actors and the downstage area? Don’t be shy – come to the front! The set was strangely stark although an all-too brief appearance was made by a very impressive wooden galleon. The band was particularly good (although it is beyond this reviewer why we still need to sit through dull overtures that add little or nothing to our enjoyment).
There were moments of fun as the cowardly constables bobbed up and down behind the tombstones in Act 2 and I really enjoyed the acapella chorus ‘Hail Poetry’. Blair Martin was full of spark and fun as the Pirate King. So yes, this production had some let downs but there were also many things to enjoy. I know that the students have little time to rehearse but a bit more courage to further sharpen up the fusty Victoriana of these comic operas would go a long way. All the way to Penzance.
