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H.M.S. Pinafore (UK Tour)
Hackney Empire
Reviewed on Saturday 15th February 2014
Following a run at the Union Theatre last November, Sasha Regan's all-male production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore has transferred to the Hackney Empire prior to a UK Tour. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the show at the Union last year, something was missing. The cast included one or two weaker members and at times I didn’t have a clue what was going on. It is remarkable to see how much the production has grown in just a few months.
Set aboard the British ship H.M.S. Pinafore, Gilbert and Sullivan’s show deals with the age old conundrum of love between social classes. The new additions to the cast are superb and the production is suited to a larger stage, providing a highly entertaining theatrical experience.
Lizzi Gee's choreography is tight and executed to perfection by a cast of triple threats. The all-male company effortlessly switch between playing men and women throughout the piece which is hysterically funny and highly effective. H.M.S. Pinafore is over the top and staged with charm.
Lizzi Gee's choreography is tight and executed to perfection by a cast of triple threats. The all-male company effortlessly switch between playing men and women throughout the piece which is hysterically funny and highly effective. H.M.S. Pinafore is over the top and staged with charm.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s score is irresistibly delightful and utterly timeless. It felt as if I had stepped back in time, particularly in the surroundings of the beautiful Hackney Empire. Only a pianist accompanies the cast, but energy remains strong during musical numbers.
The male sopranos have unbelievable voices. They sing note perfect, astounding the audience. A stand out performance comes from Neil Moors as Captain Cocoran, the character has some wonderful moments and Moors is gifted with natural comic timing. Keith Jack is perfectly cast as Ralph, performing with charisma and showcasing smooth vocals.
H.M.S. Pinafore is performed with such joy and enthusiasm. The production is so simple and, even in a larger theatre, there is nowhere for the cast to hide; it is their sheer talent which shines through and carries the piece forward. It is so rare to see such a timeless production staged with such love and care.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
andrew@westendframe.com
H.M.S. Pinafore runs at the Hackney Empire until Sunday 23rd February and then tours the UK until Saturday 10th May 2014. Please visit www.hmspinaforetour.com for further information, tour dates and tickets.
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