Review: The Pirates of Penzance (UK Tour) at the Hackney Empire

The Pirates of Penzance (UK Tour) 
Hackney Empire
Reviewed on Friday 26th June 2015
★★★★

First seen at the Union Theatre 2009, Sasha Regan’s all-male production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance previously transferred to Wilton’s Music Hall before touring Australia and the UK.

The current tour is going out with a bang at the Hackney Empire; last night the packed audience lapped up the timeless humour and irresistibly glorious score.

A story of mistaken identity, the cast excel at all times and make the most of every moment. The guys made their first entrance as the women to tremendous applause - their performances are utterly remarkable and their vocal talents are astounding. All the comedy is pitched perfectly with great detail.

Alan Richardson is phenomenal as Mabel; if I closed my eyes I would have thought I was listening to a world class female soprano singing. 

Special mention must go to musical director David Griffith who does an outstanding job. It's a joy to hear the cast performing with just piano accompaniment.

I haven't laughed so loud in a theatre for a long time, but the highlight of the evening was when the entire cast performed together in perfect harmony. Regan’s production of The Pirates of Penzance is truly magnificent - if you're around in London this weekend see it while you can.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

The Pirates of Penzance runs at the Hackney Empire until Sunday 28th June 2015.

Please visit www.piratesisback.com for further information and tickets.

Read our interview with cast member Ben Irish

Follow @West_End_Frame