The Pirates of Penzance Review

Wilton’s Music Hall – until 23 November 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Sasha Regan’s All Male Pirates of Penzance is a blast of pure joy. Each time I see this show, there’s more silliness to enjoy amongst the gorgeous vocals.

Regan adds impish humour to Gilbert and Sullivan’s already ludicrous plot. Slave to duty Frederic (Cameron McAllister) leaves the Pirate King (Tom Newland) and the crew on his 21st birthday at the end of his indenture, taking his nursemaid Ruth (Robert Wilkes) and vowing to destroy the pirates, until a handy paradox reveals that he is technically indentured to the Pirate King until 1940. The ridiculous characters – unsuccessful pirates who never hurt orphans, cowardly police officers and, of course, the very model of a modern Major-General (David McKechnie) and his excitable daughters – Regan’s direction and Lizzi Gee’s inspired and irreverent choreography elevate the comedy to giddy heights. Musical director Giannis Giannopoulos provides brilliant accompaniment on the piano as the 2024 company strut their stuff breathing fresh life and energy into Gilbert and Sullivan’s wonderful work.

The cast, many making their professional debuts, are a delight. The ensemble transforms effortlessly from roistering pirates to simpering maids to knee-tremblingly terrified police officers with hilarious effects, and the Major-General’s daughters give a masterclass in comedic reactions. The number of visual gags and shenanigans going on in the background is glorious – adding to rather than distracting from the daft story. Cameron McAllister and Luke Garner-Greene are heavenly as Frederic and Mabel, with McAllister a fine romantic hero and Garner-Greene displaying a beautiful countertenor voice as the strong and single-minded Mabel. Their tender moments are delightful. Tom Newland is a dashing Pirate King and Robert Wilkes is a hoot as Ruth. Lewis Kennedy’s excellent Sergeant of the Police is an understated comic joy next to the brilliantly overblown antics of the ensemble, and David McKechnie is perfection as Major-General Stanley, nailing the patter song and commanding the stage – even in his nightshirt. The company gives a wonderful vocal performance, highlighted by the beautiful unaccompanied rendition of Hail Poetry, and perform both the lighter comedy songs and slower airs masterfully.

The Pirates of Penzance is an absolute blast of a show, full of rib-tickling gags and familiar tunes to set your feet tapping and performed with infectious joy and energy by a wonderfully talented cast.