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Tyne Pirates Are A Barrel
Of Fun
The Pirates of Penzance
Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Until Saturday
26th September 2015
In
a drive to return one of the oldest fully working Victorian theatres to its
former glory over 60 performers have come together for a cracking show.
Now we have a confession to make. We have never
seen a performance of the works by Sir William Schwenck Gilbert and Sir Arthur
Sullivan. If tonight is anything to go by then we are definitely looking
forward to our next encounter.
The story begins with a bang as the young apprentice
Frederick (Chris Wain) points out to the Pirate King (Michael Geddes) and his Lieutenant
Samuel (Dave Rawlings) that he has nearly completed his apprenticeship. He is
21 and he has no plans to continue. The only woman in the band of rogues, Ruth
(Enid Gale) hopes to marry the young lad but he wonders what other women are
out there.
When they land off the coast of Cornwall they cross paths with
the Major General (Gawen Robinson) and his many daughters – in particular Mabel
(Louisa Sherlock) who clearly knows she is attractive. Young Frederick leaves
piracy and tries to change his life with amusing consequences.
One of the great pleasures of this show is that the
strong singing is accompanied by a large fabulous orchestra under the musical
direction of Michael Wilmot. The tight performance helped bring about a vibrant
feel to the songs. The musicians fill the theatre with great music and take
advantage of the natural acoustics of the room
The show is full of familiar songs. I am the very model of a modern Major-General
and When a felon's not engaged in his
employment are both timeless classics. Their familiarity comes from their
use in comedy on television. The clever choreography from Danielle Mendes
brings the humour alive.
The show is a large ensemble piece but there are no
weak links in this talented cast. All of
the way through the story there is a real sense of fun from camp carry on of
the Sergeant of Police (Daniel Vening) to the high speed singing by Major
General (Gawen Robinson). The harmonies were delightful and the solos,
including the high notes hit by Louisa Sherlock, show the genuine expertise on
stage.
The audience had plenty of laughs. This is no
stuffy production and clever interactions with the orchestra help to break the
fourth wall. Director Bea Atkinson has
ensured that the show is great fun to watch and the time flies by.
The show has real heart and is a pleasure to watch.
The fabulous live orchestra coupled with talented singers who are clearly
enjoying themselves make this a perfect introduction to Gilbert and Sullivan.
All profits from ticket sales will go directly to
the preservation of the iconic Grade-I listed building.
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East
Theatre Guide from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview:
http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/preview-pirates-of-penzance-at.html
Tickets:
The Friends of Tyne Theatre and Opera House’s
production of The Pirates of Penzance will run from Tuesday 22 September to
Saturday 26 September, from 7.30pm each evening.
Tickets: £13 All;
Concessions £10: Limited View £8; Buy 10, get 1 free. (plus booking fees when
booking online and over the phone)
The Tyne Theatre &
Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and event days
Booking and Information
Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pm Monday to Friday)
More information at our
Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
Audience members will also have the opportunity to
take part in a pre-performance theatre heritage talk and tour, for which
advance booking is required.
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