Review: Pirates of Penzance at Canterbury's Gulbenkian Theatre

SINGING swashbucklers took over the Gulbenkian Theatre for Canterbury Operatic Society's production of Pirates of Penzance.

The Gilbert and Sullivan classic operetta, set in Cornwall, tells of an aging band of buccaneers and their young apprentice Frederic, who yearns for an honest life with a fine young maiden.

The part was fantastically played by Ian Parrett with his impressive voice and comic timing.

His mentor the Pirate King, played by Derry Martin, was just as hilarious with his imitation chest wig - imagine Johnny Depp and Tom Jones' love child.

The opening scenes where the pensioner pirates squabble over outfits as their good ship Tarantara comes into port provoked much laughter.

Both Parrett and Martin demonstrated the strength and stamina of their voices throughout the show.

A highlight were the duets between Parrett and Angela Gallone who played Ruth – the ship's mature maid who wants to seduce the young Frederic before he falls in love with someone nearer his own age.

The ever-entertaining pirates were at their best when capturing the Major General's daughters to have their wicked way.

David Bedford stole the show as the Major General, playing the part with humour and energy while trying to keep up the premise he was an orphan to protect his daughters from the renegade seamen.

His version of I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major General was very impressive.

The girls, who doubled as the female chorus, had delightful voices and played their roles with lots of vitality.

Jodie Kilty as Mabel, the eldest daughter, had a mesmeric voice and her duets with Frederic were particularly moving.

The policemen under their sergeant (Cheryl Mumford) were as equally entertaining and buffoonish as the pirates.

The scenery was simple but effective with the colourful costumes all helping to make this a great night.

James Brentnall

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