Christchurch Gilbert And Sullivan Society 2005 Review

Daily Echo (Bournemouth), September 25th 2005

All shipshape as Pinafore

weighs anchor

LET'S give three cheers for the sailor's bride - and indeed for the entire cast of this extremely shipshape production.

Director/musical director Nigel Finch keeps very much to tradition, yet the libretto comes over as fresh and new, emphasising the humour of W S Gilbert's words.

A first-class orchestra does great justice to Sullivan's score too, and singing from principals and chorus is strong - although a little more volume from the altos would balance the ladies' chorus rather more.

Principal characterisations are all good. Brian Morgan's interpretation of the snobbish Sir Joseph Porter works well despite his slightly irritating and frequent tendency to wave his white-gloved hands about Jolson-style, and Brian Oliver gives a finely judged performance as the more down-to-earth Captain Corcoran.

Robert Eshelby and Ruth Hastings are suitably love-struck as Ralph Rackstraw and Josephine, Mark Ward's "triangular" Dick Deadeye is delightfully malevolent, Christine Eastwood's Little Buttercup splendidly round and rosy, while Matthew Stevens makes quite an impression too as Bill Bobstay.

On the down side, perhaps the second act's moonlight effect is not quite bright enough - there are times when faces are in shadow - but a great set and bright costumes add super finishing touches to what is overall a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Linda Kirkman