The Pirates of Penzance

Though nothing in the credits mentions it, this production is obviously based on the Tony-winning 1980 Joseph Papp Shakespeare in the Park production, which starred Kevin Kline and Linda Rondstadt and was a massive hit on Broadway and later in the West End in London. Eventually it was redone as a film which was very entertaining but lacked too much of the excitement of live stage.

Fortunately, someone decided to tape a live performance of this newer version, capturing much more of the energy and audience response which was missing from the earlier film. What makes both versions special is the approach to the original material. Too many G&S productions are stodgy, treating the music as sacrosanct and the humor as too dated to get a laugh. Here every bit of silliness in the script is brushed off and made funny again. The "orphan/often" misunderstanding early in the play has been cut from most productions for decades by directors who didn't have a clue how funny it could be if performed as high comedy. There are dozens of other similar moments in this production, which never for an instant lets the audience forget that this is a COMIC opera.

At the same time, it is a comic OPERA, with some of Sir Arthur Sullivan's most beautiful melodies. Helen Donaldson as Mabel and Simon Gallaher as Frederick particularly have lovely voices and sing their romantic songs beautifully.

I do feel that this production is frequently over the top in milking the humor, but that is one of the intrinsic problems of filmed live performances, and the audience was clearly having a great time enjoying the antics of Jon English. And Tim Tyler as the police sergeant is incredible. A cross between a Keystone Kop and a very long rubber band, he steals every scene he is in.

G&S purists generally dislike updated productions, but for the rest of us, this production is a treat.

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!

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.

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

Having been highly entertained by HMS Pinafore(the last of the productions performed by this group), I immediately sat down to watch The Pirates of Penzance. When I first put in the DVD, they seemed to have done a recap of The Mikado, which made me think "did I put in the wrong DVD". Then the production started, without the overture but more a glimpse of "oh dry thy glistening tear..." going straight into "pour oh pour".

This Pirates of Penzance was highly entertaining for what it was, which was good tongue-in-cheek fun. "Purists" mayn't like it I agree, the orchestra is synthesised and some of the dialogue is added with a sense of improvisation too. But my advice is take it for what it is, that way you may enjoy it. I am a Gilbert and Sullivan fan, and especially of this operetta, and I certainly did enjoy it. As far as these G&S production go with this troupe, which was this, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore, I did prefer HMS Pinafore for its pace and energy, like I said in my review for that notice how the male chorus in general rarely stop moving, but as an overall operetta I am more fond of Pirates, then again it was also my first G&S.

My only real disappointment really was "Ah Leave me not to Pine". Don't get me wrong, it was beautifully sung by Simon Gallagher and Helen Donaldson, but I did find the overall speed too slow. Everything else though I enjoyed immensely. Even with the added dialogue, tempo and key changes, how the story unfolds and the various characters, it remained hugely entertaining and never stodgy right up to the last second. The costumes and sets are very good, with smooth transitions from set to set and the costumes at least look as though they belong in a G&S production.

The dialogue is often hilarious, especially the Pirate King's digs at the orchestra and conductor, which happened in Pinafore too, and the whole orphan/often exchange. There are also some inspired physical comedy, the funniest being the Major General and the flowers in the first act. The story while slightly standard perhaps in structure is so full of funny scenes, amazing music and droll lyrics you are past caring. And the choreography particularly with the policemen was camp but in a refreshing way, while the orchestration and arrangements were good.

The performers all give their all. Simon Gallagher is dashing and has phrasing(his long high note is phenomenal!) and a voice that makes your heart melt, and Helen Donaldson has a wondrous colouratura quality, any larger she would have been at home in Donizetti and Verdi. Ruth, played very well by Toni Lamond, is suitably sympathetic, the sisters were hilarious and the choruses sounded great. The comedic performers fared best though, Derek Metzger is a brilliant Major General not only perfectly nailing the mannerisms but the comic timing too, the chief policeman- a brilliant Tim Tyler- has a presence, flexibility and movement of the stage to die for, and while I think he was slightly overworked in "Cat Like Tread" Jon English's Pirate King is worth the DVD viewing alone, not only is his delivery spot on but he is a daredevil on stage.

All in all, very entertaining. 9/10 Bethany Cox