The Pirates of Penzance

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

This is one of my favourite videos in my collection. Jon English is fantastic as the Pirate King, and Simon Gallaher, Helen Donaldson and Derek Metzger all perform outstandingly. With great comedy and audience interaction thrown in, it is a joy to watch over and over again. I only wish I'd been able to see the show live!

I love 'The Pirates of Penzance'! Jon English, Simon Gallaher and Derek Metzger are all fantastic as their respective characters. My favourite person in this is Helen Donaldson, who is an absolutely adorable Mabel. Her voice is lovely and she hits every high note. She looks like a 10-year-old in 'When the Foeman Bares His Steel' though! Essgee have done a great job in updating a G&S show and I admit its not one for purists! Toni Lamond, the first woman to ever appear on Australian television, is a very sad, yet funny (!), Ruth. All of the songs in it are fantastic, even if they are all performed on synthesisers. Gallaher's rendition of 'Oh Is There Not One Maiden Here' is very sweet and heart-melting. Donaldson's 'Poor Wandering One' is AMAZING! Her coloratura is very well done. English's comic timing is great, especially 'Dear Pirate King I love your purple pants...' and he performs well with the other cast members, especially Toni Lamond, Helen Donaldson and Simon Gallaher. Any fan of musicals, especially Australian, should see this!

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.

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.