Musical
Direction by Rhys Madigan.
Choreography
by Annette Sharpe
Presented by
The Canberra Philharmonic Society.
Erindale
Theatre until the 7th November, 2015.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens.
Gilbert and Sullivan traditionalists may raise
eyebrows, but those simply seeking a nice night’s entertainment will find much
to entertain in The Canberra Philharmonic Society’s rollicking new production “The
Pirates of Penzance”, based on the EssGee version devised by Simon Gallagher for
a hugely successful national tour in 1994.
The
convoluted story remains the same. The music remains largely intact, though
re-arranged with updated instrumentation. Director, Kelda McManus, has added
some refinements of her own, including bringing equal opportunity to the police
force.
Marcus
Hurley, in fine voice, is a dashing Frederick, the young apprentice pirate who on
reaching his 21st birthday discovers that because he was born in a
leap year, he is really only five. Almost
persuaded to marry his delightfully buxom nurse, Ruth, (Kate Tricks) Frederick
discovers the beauteous Mabel (Madison Lymn) which results in all sorts of
complications. It is Gilbert and Sullivan remember.
Dave Cannell as the Major General and his daughters. |
The drabness
of Peter Carmel’s imposing set works against the light mood of the show, and Jennie
Norberry’s costumes for the pirates are surprisingly scrappy.
More attention to detail in the direction might have curbed the over-enthusiastic ensemble interpolations which too often distract from the central action. But if energetic pirate action is your bag, you’ll find it aplenty in this engaging production.
More attention to detail in the direction might have curbed the over-enthusiastic ensemble interpolations which too often distract from the central action. But if energetic pirate action is your bag, you’ll find it aplenty in this engaging production.
This review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 23.10.15. It is also in the print edition published 28.10.15.