 | Christchurch Gilbert and Sullivan Society | |
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| It is a wonder Gilbert and Sullivan did not call their fifth operetta the Orphans of Penzance. Perhaps it's just as well they settled, instead, for The Pirates, with all the flourish and gusto this name implies. But as Christchurch Gilbert and Sullivan's latest production reminds us at the Regent Centre this week, the famous band of stage brigands are really great softies at heart. Orphans the lot of them, their skullduggery falls far short of harming anyone else who can claim the same misfortune - as many of their potential victims are quick to learn. It's one of those ploys that Gilbert and Sullivan were so prone to exploit, to the unending delight of their audiences down the years. The Christchurch society have clearly picked on another to help them decide which of the duo's works to perform in this Leap Year of '88. Reluctant pirate apprentice Frederic turns out to be a Leap Year boy, condemning himself to a seeming eternity in their clutches. But it's the wit, the romance and boundless charm of the piece that captivates the customers. Who else but G&S would invent a line-up of philosophical policemen waving truncheons in rhythm to one of their most popular numbers - while waiting to pounce on the pirates in a deserted moonlit chapel? | The Christchurch group rise to this hit scene beautifully. A pity then, that they did not pause long enough for the knee-bending Bobbies to receive the applause they deserved. And perhaps it was just first night tension, but the whole show could do with loosening up a little to let the humour, in particular, flow more freely. But having said that, the society, in only their fifth year, are already showing signs of coming of age. They demonstrate that, when it counts, they can produce both solo and chorus work to be proud of. Nothing less, perhaps, could be expected of noted Poole singer Terence Trickett, recruited to their ranks as Frederic. He's in excellent company, with Philip Stokes earning full marks for audibility in even the most tongue-twisting moments of the Major General, and an elegant tuneful Leonard Godfrey as the Pirate King. Not to be outdone, Maureen Mintey, as Frederic's nurse Ruth, and Sarah Lawrence, his sweetheart Mabel, graciously ring the harmonies for the ladies. A special word of praise for the impressive debut of the society's first ever orchestra, a full 17-piece ensemble. And hats off again to Nigel Finch, their young director for another tour de force both backstage and in the orchestra pit. | |||||||||||||