HMS Pinafore

It is said that Queen Elizabeth II was not amused by HMS Pinafore. This is surprising considering the opera is virtually an homage to her great, great grandmother. I think Her Majesty would definitely be amused by the State Opera South Australia’s G&S Fest’s latest production of this classic!

This production wisely retains all the G&S traditional touches but adds some new perspectives and blends the two together to produce a classy masterpiece!

Sometimes known by its longer title HMS Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor, it has a classic Gilbert and Sullivan plot: forbidden love, unforeseen plot twists and a farcical ending. When Josephine, the daughter of Captain Corcoran, falls for Ralph Rackstraw, a lowly seaman, she has to contest with her planned marriage to Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty. Who will she end up with?

Director Stuart Maunder gives the show a cracking pace that does not let up (there is barely time to applaud). This gives the production life and energy not often seen in other versions. Maunder is the master of blocking, simple but meaningful and gives us some lovely touches; characters appearing in unexpected places with great effect, Sir Joseph arriving on a large seagull and the biggest Union Jack I have seen!

Musical Director James Pratt faithfully delivers Sullivan’s score, but with more energy and gusto than I have heard in a long while; the overture with its haunting oboe solo, the finale ultimo of Act One and ‘For he is an Englishman’ being highlights. Bravo to the percussion section.

Richard Roberts’ set is simple but so effective. I loved the giant seagull and the elegant simplicity of the opening of Act 2, aided by Trudy Dalgleish’s evocative lighting. Roger Kirk has pulled out all stops designing beautiful ladies’ costumes, very reminiscent of the Ascot scene of My Fair Lady, and Josephine’s dazzling dress from Act Two.

Elizabeth Hall-Cooper’s choreography is simple, inventive and well drilled. There is a nice mix of traditional and non-traditional moves. I really enjoyed her new choreography for ‘We sail the ocean blue’.

HMS Pinafore is close to my heart. Sir Joseph Porter is my favourite G&S role to play, so I was keen to see Ben Mingay’s interpretation. I was not disappointed; Mingay is the consummate Sir Joseph, channelling Sebastian Love from Little Britain. He commands the stage and plays the audience with backhanded compliments and ‘the aspect of eyes’. On a side note, he is completely unrecognisable from his alter ego the Pirate King.

Jeremy Kleeman (who also plays the Sergeant of Police in The Pirates of Penzance) gives a riveting performance as Captain Corcoran, the captain of HMS Pinafore and father of Josephine. He gives the captain a fresh take that focusses on a sense of comedy, a crystal-clear singing voice and a real understanding of the text. His version of ‘Fair moon, to thee I sing’ is a highlight.

Likewise, Jessica Dean’s portrayal of Josephine (the lass that loved a sailor) demonstrates an understanding of the text and an outstanding voice. She plays Josephine as an intelligent, deep-thinking woman who knows what she wants and does not make compromises. ‘The hours creep on apace’ from Act Two is a marathon sing and Dean nails it with ease.

Nicholas Jones’ lyric tenor voice and impeccable English accent make him the ideal Ralph Rackstraw, Josephine’s love. ‘A Maiden fair to see’ requires a vocal control that causes a lot of tenors to fail - not so Jones, who sings it effortlessly. He is an ideal vocal match for Dean in ‘Refrain Audacious Tar’ from Act One.

Antoinette Halloran’s sassy Little Buttercup, while not stout, is certainly pleasing. Halloran gives us a nice balance of operatic style and a regional accent and completes this with a marvellous sense of timing. Her revelation number from Act Two ‘A many years ago’ was a highlight.

Douglas McNicol has the ideal voice for Dick Deadeye ,the misshapen one-eyed sailor who is the dispenser of truth and reality. Looking somewhat like Spike Milligan in a sailor, suit he prowls and limps around the stage offering his opinion, even when it is not wanted. I particularly enjoyed ‘Kind Captain I’ve important information’ with Captain Corcoran.

Andrew Crispe as Bill Bobstay, Boatswain’s Mate has the responsibility of delivering one of the show’s iconic numbers, ‘For he is an Englishman’, and excels. Jamie Moffatt as Bob Becket, carpenter’s mate and Fiona McArdle as Hebe, Sir Joseph’s first cousin round out the principal cast with solid performances.

As in most G&S productions, the chorus are the backbone of the production, keeping the show moving, especially the energetic sailors who seem to be everywhere! Highlights for me are the finale ultimo of Act 1, ‘We sail the ocean blue’, ‘Carefully on tiptoe creeping’ and of course ‘For he is an Englishman’.

As a devotee of G&S I always wait for the trio from Act Two, ‘Never mind the why and wherefore’. It was worth the wait, a triumph of singing and choreography. I loved the encore!

HMS Pinafore is a naughty, nautical, nicety that is sure to please any theatre goer who enjoys quality theatre and a good laugh. Bravo!

Barry Hill OAM