West Norfolk Gilbert & Sullivan Society's performance of HMS Pinafore at Lynn's Guildhall of St George was well worth waiting for
HMS Pinafore
Performed by West Norfolk Gilbert & Sullivan Society
At the Guildhall of St George, Lynn
West Norfolk Gilbert & Sullivan Society has been performing in the district for 70 years but although I’ve been around for a larger percentage of that time than I care to admit, I’d not seen them perform before.
Indeed, I’d never seen any G&S shows and knew little about them, apart from that they were comic operas from the Victorian era. I figured their popularity today after such longevity must make them worth seeing, so my wife and I went to Thursday evening’s opening show with optimistically open minds.
It was lovely to sit in the fine old Guildhall for the first time in more than a decade and also gratifying to note the show was a virtual sell-out.
Both acts were thoroughly enjoyable and performed by a talented and enthusiastic cast. Poking fun at the rich rising to the top jobs and the English obsession with social status, there was a colourful set, great costumes, a super orchestra and some catchy tunes belted out by talented singers.
This was the Society’s eighth performance of HMS Pinafore since they first performed it in 1962 and is one of the most popular of the Gilbert & Sullivan’s 14 productions, containing some real singalongs.
Director Debbie Bennett and musical director Richard Winch should be very proud of their efforts, as should the cast. I must give particular praise to Anil Chakrabarti, who was superbly funny as the hapless Sir Joseph Porter and Andy Hiles, who also performed with a comedic twinkle in his eye as Captain Corcoran.
James Bowman excelled as the loveable Able Seaman Ralph Rackstraw, Steve Scales gave us laughs all night as Dick Deadeye and Denise Bridge showed off her excellent singing voice as captain’s daughter Josephine and also played a convincing drunk at one stage! And Julie Bjerregaard showed great stage presence as Little Buttercup.
The show continues this evening (Friday) at 7.30pm with evening and matinee (2.30pm) performances on Saturday. Visit kingslynncornexchange.co.uk to book, or call 01553 764864.
