The Pirates of Penzance

I caught up with this wonderful production via Sky arts, a few months ago and simply had to buy the DVD. what a joy.Played , I am sure with tongue very firmly in cheek. Such energy and enthusiasm from all the cast.Jon English, has spoilt the role of 'Pirate King' for me, I just cannot see anyone doing it better, and I love the purple pants. His interaction with the audience was spot on and very funny. The Major General played by Derek Metzger,was excellent, with brilliant comic timing,and I could hear every word in his patter song! Tim Tyler, as the 'Police Sergeant', had to be seen to be believed, surely he was made of rubber, and not a bad singing voice. 'Ruth', as played by Toni Lamont, the only cast member with a strong Australian accent, was very sympathetic, I felt for her, and would have given Frederic more that a bash on the backside. I even enjoyed her corpsing in Act II.The chorus of daughters, were very funny, almost but not quite upstaging the principals. 'Mabel', Helen Donaldson, looked as fragile as a China doll, with a beautiful soprano voice, trilling away in 'Poor wandering one'. Simon Gallaher as 'Frederic' was simply superb, a wonderful tenor voice with amazing breath control, how long was that note!!(he also produced the show.) My granddaughters of Ten and Seven,also adore this show and demand to view it at every visit, not bad for good old G&S.

This version has a special place in my families hearts, as it was played, repeatedly, every few years when we got together. With my Grandparents in South Africa and us living in USA (and then later UK)- my grandfather discovered this and introduced this to me when I was very small.

Perhaps it was his enthusiasm for G&S that started out his love of this production but we all quickly fell in love with each character. From the Pirate King to sweet Mabel, it's a silly and fun version! Not meant to be taken seriously at all! We watched the VHS so many times that it got worn out. Now, decades later we have the DVD and still watch it every few years or so.

Thank you so much to the entire cast and crew and production team for making G&S accessible for a modern audience, and for creating wonderful memories that span generations.

This is by far the best production i have ever seen. The acting is incredible as are the vocals and even if the characters namely John English talk to the audience, it's still funny. The audience laughs. Why should it be bad. No matter what i hear about this. I absolutely adore this play.

I especcially think that the finale was a work of art. A ten minute rap of of the production is great. But i would have to congratulate The Major General for his excellent take on the Major general song. The song just makes me want to memorise the entire lyrics. All in all this was a fantastic play. My thanks to the people who put this together.

I only caught part of this show (from the Major General's entrance) on a recent showing on Sky TV in the UK and it restored my faith that G&S can be adapted with sensitivity for new audiences. I thought Jon English turned in a superb performance as the Pirate King and the comic scenes were played for all they were worth without (mostly) becoming unfunny. Choregoraphy - especially with the police in the second act was first class. A couple of minor quibbles - not sure why it was necessary to bring in the trio from Ruddigore - it seems fashionable these days to "cross-dress" so to speak and although this actually worked quite well it wasn't really necessary. The Swinglettes as a take off of the Andrews Sisters was superb but unfortunately it also meant that Edith was hardly distinguishable from the rest of the daughters when she has a decent part in the original score. Minor points, though, you could hear the audience absolutely loving it and it kept far enough on the traditional side of the line without being stuffy - Gilbert may have shuffled uncomfortably in his grave but he would not, I think, have turned right over. Well done all - even if it was thirteen years ago! Jonathon Clark, London

Just saw this for the first time (thank you Sky Arts!) I have always loved Gilbert and Sullivan so decided to tape it. I'm so glad I did! It was amazing! I've never seen any of the cast before so wasn't sure what to expect but they were all so good. Especially the purple-panted Pirate King, Jon English. His facial expressions had me in stitches and his energy!! I also loved the Police Sergeant, that man is made of rubber - is there anything he can't do!? They all looked as though they were having a great time hamming it up wonderfully! As someone said previously, if you're feeling down, watch it, I guarantee you won't be for long!