THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

Music by Arthur Sullivan

Lyrics by W.S. Gilbert

Directed by Richard Carroll

Co-Arranger and Musical Supervisor: Victoria Falconer

Musical Director and Co-Arranger: Trevor Jones

Hayes Theatre Co. production

The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre to 6 April

 

Reviewed by Len Power 3 April 2025

 

When a show is over 140 years old, especially an operetta, you’d think it might not have much appeal any more for a modern audience, but “The Pirates Of Penzance or, The Slave To Duty” remains perennially popular.

It was the fifth collaboration of the English team of Gilbert and Sullivan. Surprisingly, it opened in New York in 1879, a year before it opened in London. It has remained popular ever since and, now that it’s out of copyright, it’s fair game for revision and non-traditional presentations.

Hayes Theatre Co. of Sydney have come up with a winner of a show with their current touring production. Gone are the expected large choruses and huge orchestra - this production has a cast of five and a piano or two. That it works so well is a triumph for this production’s creators.

Jay Laga'aia (centre) with, from left, Trevor Jones, Maxwell Simon, Billie Palin and Brittany Shipway

Jay Laga’aia is an excellent Pirate King, singing and swashbuckling his way through the show. He turns up unexpectedly and delightfully as other characters, too.

Brittany Shipway plays both Ruth and Mabel, giving a distinctive performance for each character. This fine comedienne sings very well, also popping up as other characters.

Maxwell Simon and Brittany Shipway

Maxwell Simon gives the role of the young Frederic a classic innocence that is very appealing. Also in fine voice, he makes the most of his songs. Billie Palin busily and cleverly plays the characters of Isabel and Barry as well as several others.

Trevor Jones is the pianist, Fishcake, and steals the show with his performance of the Major-General. Singing his tongue-twister of a song and accompanying himself on piano is a hilarious highlight of the show. Make sure you listen carefully to the lyrics!

Trevor Jones

The quality of the singing from this small cast is very high. Particularly memorable was the power and clarity of their harmony singing. Everything about this production works – the sets, costumes, lighting and sound – making this an evening of rollicking good fun.

From left: Billie Palin, Trevor Jones, Jay Laga'aia and Brittany Shipway

There is seating onstage for a number of fearless audience members. One of these, Peter McDonald, well-known Canberra musician, suddenly found himself briefly centre-stage as part of the action. He gave a performance that will be long remembered!

 

Photos by supplied by the production

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.