HMS Pinafore

It may be 145 years since the first production of HMS Pinafore, but The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of WA’s current sell-out production shows that this show can still pull a crowd, and capacity audiences for this production at the Dolphin will not be disappointed with Paul Treasure’s slightly modernised, fresh production.

Barry Boyd’s solid multi-level ship set conjures up a mid-20th century naval vessel (that could almost be passed to the upcoming production of Anything Goes - with just a paint job), and Wardrobe Mistresses Veronica Hudson and Gail Reading have given us a completely new set of costumes that transport us to the late 1950s. The show is lit with style by Rhys Pottinger.

A talented 19-piece orchestra, under the capable baton of Musical Director Isaac Wesson, accompany vocal performances that are strong throughout.

This show feels like a good frolic, with the occasional visual gag and modern reference thrown in for fun (did we hear a Bronie joke?) and rather more choreography than we expect in a G&S show (including a short homage to Dance of the Cygnets).

Heather Mackay makes a fabulous operetta debut and proves herself a very capable leading lady as Josephine, looking very proper in naval uniform. The object of her affections, low-born humble sailor Ralph, is played with dignity and fine voice by the ever-reliable Chad Henderson.

Belinda Butler steals scenes and is again an audience favourite as bumboat woman Little Buttercup, an up-and-coming self-employed woman in this version, while Ian Lawrence is solid as upright as Captain Concoran.

David Cosgrove is in his element, over-playing Sir Joseph Porter KCB, First Lord of the Admiralty with notable flamboyance, accompanied nicely by Emily Schinkel as his cousin Hebe, never without a glass of wine. Steve Sherwood, usually very upright or regal is almost unrecognisable in a strong performance as rough-around-the-edges Dick Deadeye, with Zac Porter and Roger Starbuck providing solid support as The Boatswain and Carpenter’s Mate.

A hard-working and well-drilled ensemble play Sailors, Sisters, Cousins, and Aunts.

I would say rush out and buy tickets, but there will be few if any to be had. HMS Pinafore is a solid production that proves that with good direction, musical direction and strong performances, Gilbert and Sullivan shows will continue to attract and delight audiences.

Kimberley Shaw