The Pirates Of Penzance At Wilton’s Music Hall Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Mel Randle

Last night we took a step back in time to Victorian London to watch The Pirates Of Penzance, a comedic opera by theatrical duo Gilbert and Sullivan at the only surviving Grand Music Hall in the world – Wilton’s Music Hall. The experience started from the moment we parked a few streets away, took a short stroll through Ripper’s Whitechapel, under the arches and down the alley to this hidden gem. Authentic to the core, it really set the tone for the evening.

This production of The Pirates of Penzance by Sasha Regan is performed by an all-male cast, adding an extra layer to the humour to the story of a classic tale of courtship. All bar a couple of the seventeen strong cast switched between male and female roles. Breeches came off, skirts went on and voices went up!! It was fun, it was definitely camp and it was utterly hilarious throughout. This was reflected by audience reaction. Lots of belly -laughing and a standing ovation at the end suggested everybody enjoyed it as much as I did.

Although I had heard of the musical before, I didn’t know the story so it was nice that it was simply and easy to follow. I didn’t feel I had to sit there trying to work out what was going on so I could just immerse myself in the frivolity. And there was a moment of familiarity when the song ‘I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General’ came on. One I’m sure a lot of people have heard.

The staging remained constant throughout with a change of scene suggested by the projections on the back curtain. The cast used the whole theatre (which is quite an intimate space anyway), entering from side doors, the balcony and side staircases – at one point even moving among us throughout the stalls, all the time drawing us further into the performance. Costumes were simple and sympathetic to the Victorian period, and props were effectively used but not over stated.

What made the show for me was the choreography and the delivery of the cheeky little one liners by the entire cast. Their facial expressions, hand gestures and comic timing were spot on and I really don’t think would have had the same effect had the female characters been played by female actors. The relationship between all the cast members onstage just looked so genuine that you just bought into the whole thing, regardless of who was playing what. . I couldn’t pick out a favourite actor because I think they are all deserving of the accolade – Tom Newland completely won me over as the dashing Pirate King, Robert Wilkes played his part so well he should be know eternally as Ruth and if I had to describe the very model of a modern Major-General, David McKechnie would be it!

Overall, I had a thoroughly evening, I could most certainly watch it again and I would recommend everyone else do the same whether you’re a musical fan or not!

Rating: 5/5

The Pirates Of Penzance is playing at Wilton’s Music Hall until Saturday 23rd November.
Ticket prices £10.50 – £32.50 full price | £8 – £30 concession

Running time: approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, including interval

For more information and to book tickets, please visit https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-pirates-of-penzance-autumn24/