As a child growing up in the 1970s I was a confused kid. My mum was an avid fan of the timeless crooner Gilbert O’Sullivan, but also loved Gilbert and Sullivan. For several years I couldn’t work it out. I actually thought Gilbert O’Sullivan and Gilbert and Sullivan were the same. I suppose there would have been a day when it dawned on me that they weren’t, but I can’t recall it.
Coincidentally, there are plenty of examples in ‘Pirates of Penzance’ where clever wordplay adds to the comic effect. Tart and heart were intermingled, as was orphan and often. The confusion is funny, as was my conviction that Gilbert O’, who appeared regularly on Top of the Pops, and Gilbert and Sullivan, were, in fact, the same.
Ah well, time changes everything. Almost. It seems the British public’s love affair with Gilbert and Sullivan still endures on to this day, as a packed house at the Georgian Theatre underlined, for the West Yorkshire Savoyards latest offering. It may have been written in Victorian times, but theatregoers still flock for the nautical romps which are a feature of William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.
‘Pirates’ is arguably G and S’s most celebrated work, although enthusiasts may claim ‘The Mikado’ or ‘HMS Pinafore.’
It’s a wonderful comic opera centred around Frederic (Leon Waksberg) and his passion for Mabel (Helen Fieldsend). Frederic turns 21 and is released from his apprenticeship to a band of lovable pirates. He meets the daughters of the incompetent Major General Stanley (Graham Weston) and immediately centres his affections on Mabel.
Frederic discovers he was born on February 29th, so he can only properly celebrate a birthday every leap year. Bound by honour he decides he must stay apprenticed to the pirates until his ‘real’ 21st birthday, in other words another 63 years. Mabel says she will stand by him, only for the pirates’ maid, Ruth (Janice Rendel) to save the day.
‘Pirates’ was expertly done by Halifax-based Savoyards, who this year celebrated their 50th anniversary. Their affection for Gilbert and Sullivan is an understandable one, as the comic timing in their operas remains exquisite.
As well as taking on the much-parodied Major General’s Song, Graham Weston also directed the cast, which was under the musical direction of Oliver Longstaff. Saturday’s two performances paid tribute to two long-standing Savoyards members Tom Mills and Joan Preston.
There were several stand-out moments in ‘Pirates’ but you would be hard-pressed to find a voice as impressive as Mabel’s, who hit so many high notes the theatre chandeliers were in danger.
For an amateur production, this was high-class stuff and next year the touring group will be in Richmond again for G and S’s ‘The Sorcerer.’ My advice would be simple: don’t miss it.
Be the first to comment