Matlock G&S Society riding high in The Pirates of Penzance
Gay Bolton Reproduced by permission of the Derbyshire Times
Beg, steal or borrow a ticket to the rollicking romp that is Matlock Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s take on The Pirates of Penzance. Updated for a modern-day audience, the production refers to Trident missiles in the Major General’s patter song, highlights the thin blue line of the police force and throws in a couple of Christmas cracker jokes. The show at Bakewell’s Medway Centre opens with a motley crew of men wearing everything from chef’s whites to policeman’s uniform, football scarf to T-shirts stamped with Jolly Roger Re-enactment Society. They dive into the dressing-up box to emerge in pirate costume and engage in duels with swords and cutlasses. Thoroughly modern maidens are represented as a group on a glamping holiday, all walking boots and waterproofs save for the leading lady who makes a spectacular entrance in skimpy shorts and super-high platform shoes. Her attempts to hook up with the pirates’ apprentice are thwarted in vain by the mature maidens who want the dashing young blade for themselves and form a human barrier.
Andrew Moore revels in the role of apprentice Frederic, who has served his indentures and is ready for life as a fully-fledged pirate until Cupid’s arrow strikes. His singing is sublime as is his characterisation, particularly in the scene where he’s trying to woo the ladies by stripping off his coat and unbuttoning his frilly shirt. Lizzy Blades makes a very able Mabel, initially playing it coy then developing into a coquettish charmer who not only gets her man but also one of the best songs. Her beautiful voice really enhances signature number Poor Wand’ring One and she hits those high notes and trills with ease. Pirates’ maid Ruth is given a Cornish accent by Angela Robinson, winning sympathy from the audience as she battles against the odds for young master Frederic’s heart. Nic Wilson makes the role of Major General Stanley his own, throwing some fresh lines into the character’s trademark patter song and looking like an army chief newly returned from a tropical mission which was apt for the humid temperature outside last night (Thursday). David Stokes and Liddy Buswell add to the comedy as the sergeants in an under-resourced police force, directing the flow of performers around the stage like traffic and wielding modern-day weaponry to bring the Pirate King to his knees. Stalwart performer Max Taylor throws himself into the character of Pirate King with gusto - the first time he has played the part in many years of shows.
The eight-strong orchestra, led by musical director Melanie Gilbert, provide sensitive accompaniment to some of the best-loved songs in the G&S repertoire. The Pirates of Penzance is directed by Nick Wilson, assisted by Liz McKenzie, and continues its successful voyage at the Medway Centre until Saturday, June 11.
Joyce Handbury
In this small venue there isn’t room for much in the way of 'sets' but two 'trucks' were used to great effect. In Act 1 they had lovely painted sea scenes on them and for Act 2 churches with the addition of a back projection of a church window and a moon. In this contemporary interpretation we meet a pirate re-enactment group who appear in modern garb and from a dressing-up box proceed to change into pirate attire. A few jokes are interspersed alongside the playful sword fighting and of course out come the mobile phones for the taking of 'selfies' even getting an audience member to participate. It isn't long before a walking group of 'modern maidens' arrive on the scene dressed in appropriate hiking gear with the exception of three young ladies less suitably attired for hiking especially the leading lady who was wearing the shortest of shorts and extremely high wedged shoes.
Max Taylor was commanding and convincing as the Pirate King. He has great stage presence and his excellent singing enhanced a most dynamic performance and Ken Watson was first-rate as Samuel, his Lieutenant (loved the parrot). Andrew Moore was so impressive as Frederic, his superb singing, his naturalness, his total commitment to the role were all delivered superbly. Lizzy Blades was delightful as Mabel, vocally outstanding, she hit those high notes effortlessly and I was so pleased when she removed her shoes before chasing Frederic around the 'stage'. Her sisters, Edith, Kate and Isabel were impressively played by Lesley Kraushaar, Susan Devaney and Rachel Callen. Nic Wilson was terrific as Major-General Stanley appearing initially in an immaculate safari outfit. His impeccable rendition of the signature patter song 'I am the very model of a modern Major-General', with updated references, was flawlessly enunciated. Angela Robinson really immersed herself into the character of Ruth, the piratical maid of all work. Her Cornish accent, her facial expressions, her desperate attempts to gain the affection of Frederick all made for a spirited performance. A rather depleted police force consisted of a Senior and Junior Sergeant. David Stokes was splendid as the Senior Sergeant, armed and flourishing up to date weaponry, he boldly led the motley crowd of 'assistants' (armed with drills, hammers etc.) around the stage in pursuit of the Pirate King. I thought Liddy Buswell was excellent as the Junior Sergeant she has such a lovely singing voice and a very natural stage presence and together they certainly notched up the comedy. The singing of all the soloists and chorus members was superb as was the eight piece orchestra.
I must just mention 'Wally' the ever present and unobtrusive photographer, unassumingly and astutely played, sadly, by an anonymous person [Pauline Revill]! It was obvious that everyone on the ‘stage’ was totally immersed in this production and thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was fun- packed, light hearted and a hugely enjoyable modern slant on this very popular Gilbert and Sullivan show. Congratulations to all involved.