The very model of a modern performance of the Pirates
MY first introduction to the topsy turvy world of Gilbert and Sullivan couldn’t have been better as Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group set sail aboard HMS Brexit in their latest show – The Pirates of Penzance.
The story follows Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, who falls madly in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley.
Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday but there’s a “small” snag when he finds out he was born on February 29.
Is it possible for him to find a way to avoid the elderly Ruth who is quite smitten by him and live happily-ever-after with Mabel? You’ll have to see for yourself.
The score includes classics such as A Policeman’s Lot, I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major General and Poor Wand’ring One.
The rip-roaring tale is brought to life by the talented company, with Sam Dunn in the lead role of Frederic and playing him to perfection.
He injects the character with a little bit of Hugh Grant (think Four Weddings and Love Actually), a little bit of Elvis – and an awful lot of f talent and comedy timing.
Tears were rolling down my mum’s cheeks as our hero tried to escape the clutches of Ruth, pursue Mabel and avoid being taken back into the fold of the Pirates of Penzance.
Taking on the role of Frederic’s love interest Mabel is Ali Sturla, who simply has the most amazing voice.
I overheard a lady sitting behind me say that when Ali sang it gave her goosebumps.
She’s a real talent and when I say she has the voice of an angel – she really has.
Karen Jamieson as Ruth, Richard Craggs as the Pirate King and Carl Benfield as the Sergeant of Police all add to the excellent and entertaining ensemble which covers a spectrum of ages – all brilliant
in their roles.
Again, Lynn Kelly brings another level of humour to the show – she’s a real hoot and I am never disappointed by any of her performances.
This time she plays a bumbling copper and Queen Victoria – two very different roles but she’s brilliant as both.
However, a huge shout out has to go to Keith Reynolds. He was exceptional as Professor Henry Higgins in the company’s production of My Fair Lady last year and I didn’t think he’d be able to top that performance.
Oh, Caroline, how wrong you were. He absolutely excels and the Major-General and how on earth he memorised the lines to I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major-General I will never know.
Not only is he word – and choreography – perfect, some sneaky peeps have even added a couple of up-to-date choruses to the song which include references to Twitter, Facebook and, of course, the topic of the moment – Brexit.
To be honest, by the end of the song I don’t know who was more
worn out – me or the Major-General.
I applaud you, Mr Reynolds – your performance is first-class and I am still humming the song as I write my review.
Not singing the words, I hasten to add, as that might take me a few years to perfect.
In every theatre production there is so much going on behind the scenes and this show is no exception.
Precise direction and choreography, imaginative scenery, an accomplished orchestra and stagehands who roll up their sleeves and take to the stage as the role of policemen
The Pirates of Penzance is fastpaced, funny and cleverly written, and it is hard to believe it is more than 140 years ago since its first performance.
The company are performing the updated version of this Gilbert and Sullivan favourite and I know that my predecessor to reviewing amateur dramatics in the area, Dave Stacey, would have adored this show. He is a huge fan of G&S.
The Pirates of Penzance will perform until tomorrow at Ashby School Theatre, in Nottingham Road, Ashby (LE65 1DT).
Tickets are available by calling 07527 228945 or going to www. amtg.org.uk