The Gilbert and Sullivan Cabaret Revue

Oh what fun! The very talented 5pound repertory company has gone cabaret and affectionately lampoons Gilbert and Sullivan. It’s a triumph, despite, or perhaps because of, being a little raggy around the edges. The actors bring their usual high level of energy to the proceedings, compounded by nerves caused by limited rehearsals and lots of music and lyrics to learn. This isn’t their comfort zone, but the extra adrenaline rush only served to make the show even more joyful. The disarming Brendan Hawke, with guitar and jester’s hat, had us all singing along right from the time we entered. The Pirates of Penzance achieved almost Fawlty Towers “Don’t mention the war” status as the 5 talented performers (six in this case counting the versatile Karin Muisnieks at the piano who adds harmonies and interjections) take the structure of G and S apart and put it back together again, whilst trying to avoid “Pirates” as the obvious example of every number.

I confess to being an ardent fan of Tim Wotherspoon (he of the arched eyebrow and sardonic dryness),  and this show gives him more license than a scripted show would do, as he has a natural ability to ad-lib which sits comfortably with his laconic personality. He’s a very fine performer indeed and I am surprised he hasn’t been snapped up for a television comedy somewhere. When he started talking about Tropes and exploring how to pigeon-hole the deliciously versatile Keith Brockett, I doubled up with laughter. Lelda Kapsis, looking every inch an innocent G & S ingenue, was totally captivating, and really surprising with her pure soprano voice which just got better as the evening progressed. Brockett wasn’t to be outdone though, and, in exploring the potential of being an ingenue rather than an “other” he sang with her in a falsetto soprano. Impressive, and a highlight, but only one of many. Tim and Keith performing the iconic “Modern Major General” as a RAP….with bongo percussion accompaniment…was simply inspired and so clever. One of the highlights of my theatre year.

Freya Pragt… she of the tossing curls and vivaciousness to spare….mourned being always the aging spinster (at 24!) and excelled with her comic timing. Having left the stage in an “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore” huff, she returned in full regalia….a Pirate King  (queen?) flashing her legs and boobs and standing on top of the piano for a rip roaring finale. The cast wrote the show themselves, and it is full of witticisms and warm sly digs at each other. They were nervous that ardent G&S fans might take offence; but the President of Melbourne’s G&S society was present and loved every moment, singing along at every opportunity. And the singing, especially the harmonies, was terrific (for the most part “grin”). It’s a tragedy that this great holiday entertainment has only a 5 performance season. I honestly believe it has legs and would work in a variety of venues as a one-off cabaret night. You have until Saturday, when there is a matinee. It could be the best Christmas present you get this year.

Coral Drouyn

Coral's Season Preview article