BWW Reviews: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE - A Fun Frolic on the Seas

The Production Company rounded off its 2013 season last night with Gilbert and Sullivan's classic operetta The Pirates of Penzance. There was, however, little reference to the classic that was first performed in 1879. There have been many adaptations of the original, with this production centering on the 1981 Broadway production. This show is undoubtedly fun. In fact, that is the most apt word to describe this production. It's light and fluffy in all the right places, however, its biggest strength is also its ultimate undoing. For while director Dean Bryant has tapped into the light pantomime frolics that make Pirates so enjoyable, there is little variation to the over flamboyance presented on opening night. This show fails to find the truth in moments that call for it. Any honest point is made light of or brushed over with seemingly little regard. The show fights against itself, leaving us partially, but never fully satisfied.

The frustrating aspect of it is that the leading players are without exception quite extraordinary. Adam Murphy as the Pirate King creates the perfect balance of swagger and humour, his voice is seemingly made for the role. Claire Lyon's phenomenal soprano is so precise and powerful that she performs the role of Mabel with a sense of effortless confidence that only someone at the height of her powers can convey. Individually Lyon's voice is an aural treasure, collectively singing alongside Frederic (Gareth Keegan) it poses a balance issue that is never fully rectified. Keegan's voice in itself is quite phenomenal. His rendition of 'Oh is There Not One Maiden Breast?' is spectacular, however, alongside Lyon his youthful Tenor voice is seemingly lost. Wayne Scott Kermond is a particularly endearing Major General, while Brent Hill's Sergeant of Police is a comedic delight that matches predictability with unexpected nuance particularly well.

The ensemble cast is as undefined as the show. There is an overall vibe throughout the male ensemble of anything other than rough and tumble pirates of the seas. This is a combination of acting choice and costume design. Tim Chappel and Owen Philips' costume aesthetic is a jumbled mess. Nothing makes sense. Sure the pirates each have their own individuality but nothing ties them together to be the fearful band of pirates that they believe they are. Keegan's costume accentuates his physique but does nothing to tell us about his character. In fact it suggests that if Mabel hadn't come along when she did he could well have have been on the first boat to the Mardi Gras. The female ensemble is stunning visually and vocally. They are lead to perfection by Stephanie Grigg as Edith. The characterizations and interactions they have with their captors are particularly enjoyable to watch unfold throughout the performance. One area of puzzlement is accent choice. With all key British references still highlighted in the script it seems particularly odd to adopt Australian accents throughout.

There are some moments of creative genius. Andrew Hallsworth's choreography is spot on. The tap beats in 'When a Felon's Not Engaged in His Employment' are exquisitely subtle as is ensemble member Robert Tripolino's guitar accompaniment of Pinafore's ''Sorry Her Lot' sung beautifully by Lyon. The staging of Orchestra Victoria is also inspired, as is their sound, which as always is magnificent, this time under the expert baton of Matthew Frank.

Set design by Dale Ferguson is particularly clever. The Cartoon style ship serves the pirate ensemble particularly well as does the symbolic blue crate paper littered across the stage and effectively used throughout the evening.

When all is said and done, this production of The Pirate's of Penzance will be remembered as a pantomime style rollicking filled with light hearted, good-natured fun and exuberance. Its energy and performance level is of the highest order. If its overall design aesthetic could have taken this vibe and coupled it with the heart that is at the core of the work then it could have been spectacular. Unfortunately, without the heart there was no spectacle.

Pirates of Penzance
Hamer Hall Melbourne
Until Sunday November 3

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