Review: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, London Coliseum

While Mike Leigh’s 2015 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic The Pirates of Penzance has its fair number of critics among traditionalists for its modern touch, this revival by Sarah Tipple demonstrates that it has an enduring charm. Her realisation brings the comedic opera to life with gloriously ridiculous period costumes, an outstanding cast and an abstract set that mirrors the plot’s absurdism with precision.

Pirates is a staple of English comedic opera that follows Frederic as he, at 21, is released from his apprenticeship to the pirates of Penzance and decides to live as an honourable man. Soon he meets Mabel, one of the Major-General’s daughters, whom he falls in love with. The pirates, however, led by their charismatic king, plot to marry the Major-General’s other daughters against their will. A series of absurd yet delightfully logical twists ensures everyone finds happiness.

Natalie Murray Beale at the baton leads the ENO orchestra through Sullivan’s score with bravado, while William Morgan as this production’s Frederic is wonderfully whimsical and silly in his faux pathos. Isabelle Peters’s soprano is a breathtakingly elegant Mabel, and John Savournin’s Pirate King delivers dry comedic genius with effortless precision. James Creswell as the Sergeant of the Police exudes bumbling charm, executed with finesse.

Alison Chitty’s set is abstract but effective and, for the most part, designs are reduced to random geometric shapes with a few props to indicate the setting. A mast, for instance, suggests the ship in the opening scene. In contrast, the costumes imitate the period with a playful, exaggerated twist. It amplifies the comedic effect as the plot unfolds. There’s no doubt this story is played entirely for laughs—and it succeeds.

Sarah Tipple’s revival of The Pirates of Penzance is a triumph. It’s an effective production that expertly balances tradition and innovation as it blends absurd humour with modern sensibilities; a paean to Gilbert and Sullivan’s enduring wit.

The Pirates of Penzance is at the London Coliseum until 21 February 2025

Photo Credits: Craig Fuller