The last time I went to see The Pirates of Penzance was in August 1987 at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth (Zoe and Michael might remember that wonderful evening). I was eagerly anticipating a Mike Leigh directed performance as his film about Gilbert and Sullivan called Topsy Turvy is excellent. Unfortunately this cinema version was not the anarchic riot I was hoping for.
It all started superbly well. During the long overture, we were pitched right into the orchestra pit with great close ups of the soloists. The lady oboist was terrific. But straight away, the set did not help the performers. Instead of an all action introduction of the pirates, here they were stuck motionless on their boat. And what a boat. The modernist set was so wrong for this Victorian comic opera. There were occasions when the two curved but hidden staircases worked cleverly (the hiding policemen sticking out their heads for the occasional tarantara). But too often we were dazzled by the highly coloured decor.
At least the songs were great. Andrew Shore is an exemplary model of a modern Mayor-General and he delivers his big moment with aplomb. And Jonathon Lemalu handles the famous When A Felon’s Not Engaged In His Employment with gusto. But the best of the soloists is Irish soprano Claudia Boyle as Mabel. Note perfect and a great personality.
The costumes are fabulous, particularly those of the thirteen daughters. But we are not supposed to get as close as the camera gets to see the stage make up and sweat. So I guess an uneven production, thoroughly enjoyable in parts but the sum doesn't quite add up.
As usual, we are given a photocopied small programme. I like that.
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