Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 1st February 2025
Reviewed by Josie Aburrow Smith and Emmie (9 years old)
5*****
The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan. it premiered in New York on the 31st December 1879. It’s as hilarious today as it was 145 years.
The story centres around the pirate apprentice, Frederic and the year is 1870. As his apprentice is coming to an end (when he turns 21) he tells the pirates that they are hopeless as they are too kind. He meets and falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of an incompetent Major-General who famously sings ‘I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General’ (which I also keep humming)
But it turns out that Frederic was born on a leap year and is still apprenticed to the pirate band until he reaches his 21st birthday in 1940. His alliances shift back and forth between the pirates and respectable society, and he engages the help of the police.
This production has a clever set of a raised deck. Which means the ensemble can be sitting and standing and still be visible. It is Directed by Donna Stirrup and Conducted by Martin Handley. The orchestra were a joy to listen to.
The whole ensemble worked together and were clearly enjoying themselves as much as the audience. The cast included: Benjamin Bevan, Barry Clark, Guy Elliott, Jonathan Eyers, Sioned Gwen Davies and Ellie Laugharne.
The Pirates of Penzance is suitable for all ages. I was accompanied by my 9 year old. It was her first experience of opera and she was able to follow the story and laugh at the funny bits. She loved the ladies singing and pretending to paddle. The Everyman Theatre is a wonderful place to take children too. The staff are all very enthusiastic and helpful. They gave her a bit to add to her seat to raise her up.
This is a great night out, we all came out smiling and humming. Today I have Sung ‘I am a Pirate King’ a number of times.