Pirates invade Perth

If the tale of a young, naïve hero, led astray by a dashing but feckless pirate makes you think of Johnny Depp, then think again, writes Christie S Young.

Long before Pirates of the Caribbean was a glint in Walt Disney’s eye, Gilbert and Sullivan brought us The Pirates of Penzance, now being returned to the stage by Perth City Operatic Group at the North Inch Community Campus.

As Frederick, Michael Melrose brings a clear tenor voice and a nice line in comedy.

Barbara McAndie gives a strong performance as Ruth, his former nursery maid, who lives up to the responsibility of being the first soloist, worried she will lose Frederick once he ventures into the world.

Also opposing his departure is his former captain, the Pirate King. Gavin Russell giving a charismatic turn as the swaggering, if somewhat useless pirate, ably assisted by the warm baritone of Samuel, played by talented newcomer to the society, Nicol Halcrow.

Whilst amateur operatic groups tend to perform more modern musicals, stepping back into operetta allows them to really show off their singing.

Directors Jonathan Cammidge and Gemma Stewart, keep things moving at a brisk pace, and it pays to pay close attention to catch some modern references, some subtle, others less so, and the numerous humorous cameos from the ensemble cast.

The show runs until Saturday.

Perth City Operatic Group performing The Pirates of Penzance.