You may think a comic opera written in 1879 would feel dated, but Victorian Opera has breathed new life into the Gilbert and Sullivan swash-buckling classic, playing at the Palais Theatre until 6 February.
The Pirates of Penzance follows Frederic (Nicholas Jones), who, having completed his 21st year, is released from his apprenticeship to a famous band of tender hearted pirates, lead by the charismatic Pirate King (Ben Mingay). He soon meets and falls in love with Mabel (Nina Korbe), one of the daughters of the incompetent Major-General Stanley (Richard Piper).
The Pirates of Penzance has always been one of my favourites, especially the 1983 movie version starring Kevin Kline, Rex Smith and Angela Lansbury. But having been disappointed with Opera Australia’s 2006 recorded release starring Anthony Warlow and David Hobson, I was sceptical and worried that this production would also not live up to my highest of expectations.
In some ways this production is similar to Opera Australia’s. The sets, props, costumes, staging and design are largely the same, but director Stuart Maunder has injected more heart, soul, humour and silliness. Additionally, some gags carried over from Opera Australia that originally fell flat work remarkably well here, with a different expression or beat.
In my recent review of Cats at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, my main complaint was that everything felt overly choreographed and I missed those little off moments of the cats just doing cat-like things. Here, The Pirates of Penzance has captured that perfectly. If you’re observant, there are many fun moments between the ensemble that elevates this musical to something truly special. From the Pirate King and Samuel’s (Douglas Kelly) bickering, Henry Shaw’s enthusiastic smile or Kate’s (Alessia Pintabona) disappointment. It’s so rich that it makes repeat viewing so tempting.
Mingay perfectly embodies the charming Pirate King from the moment he steps onto the stage (in a surprising moment that I wouldn’t date spoil) to when he leaves it. Jones and Korbe are convincingly sweet as the naive lovebirds. Korbe especially has to have some major vocal chops for Mabel, and the rising star handles the soaring top notes with ease.
Antoinette Halloran brings some cheeky humour to Ruth, Frederic’s ageing long-time nursemaid, while veteran performer Piper steps up effortlessly. Christopher Hillier (Sergeant of Police), Rachael Joyce (Edith), Syrah Torii (Isabel) and a strong ensemble of nineteen round out the talented cast.
Familiar tunes like Oh, Better Far To Live And Die; Climbing Over Rocky Mountain; I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General; When the Foeman Bares His Steel and With Cat Like Tread are played with gusto by the brilliant Orchestra Victoria, lead by conductor James Pratt.
There is just so much I like about this production that would be a detriment to others, but The Pirates of Penzance is perfect in its simplicity. It was everything I hoped it would be and more.
5/5 STARS
More information and tickets via victorianopera.com.au
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Composer: Arthur Sullivan
Librettist: WS Gilbert
CREATIVE TEAM
Conductor: James Pratt
Director: Stuart Maunder
Choreographer & Assistant Director: Elizabeth Hill-Cooper
Set Designer: Richard Roberts
Costume Designer: Roger Kirk
Lighting Designer: Trudy Dalgleish
CAST
Pirate King: Ben Mingay
Ruth: Antoinette Halloran
Frederic: Nicholas Jones
Mabel: Nina Korbe
Major General Stanley: Richard Piper
Sergeant of Police: Christopher Hillier
Samuel: Douglas Kelly
Edith: Rachael Joyce
Kate: Alessia Pintabona
Isabel: Syrah Torii
ENSEMBLE
Megan Baker, Lachlan Bartlett, Alastair Cooper-Golec, Eamon Dooley, Shakira Dugan, Declan Farr, Genevieve Gray, Georgie Grech, Hanlon Innocent, Chloe James, Luke London, Bailey Montgomerie, Joshua Morton-Galea, Sidra Nissen, Kiran Rajasingam, Rebecca Rashleigh, Henry Shaw, Nicholas Sheppard, Darcy Wain
TINSEL and TAP SHOES 