Directed by Kate Gaul – Musical Direction by Zara Stanton
Choreography
by Ash Bee – Production designed by
Melanie Liertz
Lighting
Designed by Fausto Brusamolino – Sound Designed by Nate Edmondson
Presented by
Hayes Theatre Co.
The Q ,
Queanbeyan 25th – 29th February 2020.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
If you can’t
get to Sydney for the Mardi gras, then this production of “H.M.S.Pinafore” at
the Q in Queanbeyan might be your next best bet. As camp as a row of tent pegs,
awash with sequins and glitter make-up, this gender-bending, hyper-theatrical,
kinky re-imagining of one Gilbert and Sullivan’s best loved operettas,
surprises and delights from the clever overture until the final notes of the
riotous finale
.
Kate Gaul’s
imaginative concept respects the original, but embraces contemporary
sensibilities regarding gender and inclusiveness in a riotously refreshing
production stylishly performed by the multi- talented ensemble cast of twelve
engaging performers.
Choreographer,
Ash Bee, hints at the G. & S. chorus lines with her cleverly contrived
semaphore choreography performed with panache and gusto in a spectacular array
of outlandish costumes, the work of designer Melanie Liertz, who is also
responsible for the delightful nautical setting which pays homage to the
Victorian roots of the show while providing a few surprises of its own.
 |
Busy Musical
Director, Zara Stanton, who, presumably, is also responsible for the witty
orchestrations, not only accompanies the show on piano, mouth organ, piano
accordion or, it seems, any instrument that comes to hand, also cleverly
incorporates both the instrumental and vocal talents of the whole cast with
spectacular results, even joining them herself to add heft to the choral
numbers.
“H.M.S.
Pinafore” contains many of Arthur Sullivan’s most delightful melodies, among
them “Poor Little Buttercup”, “He is an Englishman” and “I am the Monarch of
the Sea”, and in this production they are very well sung, unamplified, with the lyrics clearly articulated to allow
full appreciation of the slightly tweaked contemporary references.
 |
| Thomas Campbell (Buttercup) - Tobias Cole (Capt Corcoran) |
Although the
ensemble cast play multiple roles, Thomas Campbell almost steals the show with
a very funny performance, milking every nuance provided by the cross-dressing
possibilities, as well as bringing unexpected poignancy to the role of
Buttercup. Tobias Cole, also surprised, singing baritone instead of his usual
counter-tenor, as the elegant Capt. Corcoran.
He was well matched by Josef Ber as the irresistible “Monarch of the
Sea”, Sir Joseph Porter.
Hanna
Greenshields sang prettily as Josephine, paired with Billie Palin who managed an
attractive baritone voice to play Ralph Rackshaw, which although complicating
an already complicated story, fitted perfectly, the ethos of the production.
Sean Hall
was suitably obnoxious as Dead Eye Dick, while among the ensemble of talented
musicians, Dominic Lui stood out with his superb violin playing. Bobbie Jean Henning, Elora Ledferm, Gavin
Brown and Zachary Selmes all contributed individual delightful moments in a
strong ensemble cast.
As this was
the first production presented by Hayes Theatre Co. in the Q - and it’s a
beauty - it’s a shame that no printed
programs were provided. This appears to be a growing trend with touring theatre
companies, which is regrettable, as it’s disrespectful to the audience to be kept
in ignorance of the names of the talented artists whose performances they are
enjoying, as well as demeaning to the cast to allow their individual contributions
to go unrecognised.
Images provided by the Company.
This review first published in the digital edition of City News on 16.02.20
Images provided by the Company.
This review first published in the digital edition of City News on 16.02.20
