Due to faulty trains, I had barely slid into my seat at London Coliseum before the overture began for the English National Opera’s** The Pirates of Penzance. Thank God I made it, as I would have hated to miss a second of this glorious production. Gilbert & Sullivan musicals take me right back to my school days — I was one of the Three Little Maids in The Mikado. My sister played Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance and this theatre outing was a belated birthday treat for her. These boisterous comic operas — or operettas — are known and loved all over the world and while a few of the cultural references might feel outdated, the comedy is perfectly timed and the songs are timeless.
Our adventure begins on the deck of a ship where young pirate Frederic is celebrating his coming of age. Having been apprenticed to the pirates of Penzance because of a mistake by his nursery-maid Ruth (she confused ‘pilots’ for ‘pirates’), he’s decided to abandon ship and find his place in respectable society. This means he’ll have to make the pirates his enemies, something that doesn’t exactly please the crew.
Wandering ashore, he stumbles across the first group of females (other than his nanny) he’s ever seen and offers his hand in marriage to any one who’ll have him. The women are the daughters of Major General Stanley and while all are quite taken by this dashing stranger, only Mabel steps forward to claim him as her betrothed.
The pirates burst onto the scene intent on stealing the women away, however the Major General has a cunning plan to stop them in their tracks. I won’t say any more about the plot but expect plenty of mishaps and mischief, romping and romance.
Of course what lifts this show into the ranks of greatness is the musical genius of Gilbert and Sullivan. Seeing the words written out helpfully on a screen above the stage, you have even more appreciation for their lyrical brilliance. Especially in famous numbers like the rapid tongue-twister, ‘I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General’.
The singing was wonderful, particularly from soprano Isabelle Peters (Mabel) — every scale she climbed sent shivers up and down my spine. It’s all so catchy and fun and nostalgic that my sister and I had to restrain ourselves from breaking into song. Imagine the looks!
Operettas are also known as ‘light operas’ and typically include dance numbers as well as spoken dialogue mixed with singing. Librettist William Schwenck Gilbert and composer Sir Arthur Sullivan collaborated for 25+ years on 14 operettas that often satirised the British establishment. The duo was so successful that London’s Savoy Theatre was built to house their shows. Their work paved the way for 20th century icons Rogers and Hammerstein who turned musical theatre into a global phenomenon.
According to legend, The Pirates of Penzance was partly inspired by WS Gilbert being kidnapped by Italian bandits at age 2 on holiday in Naples. His parents paid £25 (a small fortune back then) to win back their baby and the incident clearly left its mark on Gilbert.
This ENO production at London Coliseum is helmed by Mike Leigh — yes, the Oscar winning Mike Leigh who made British indie films like Secrets and Lies, High Hopes, Mr Turner and Happy-Go-Lucky. He’s directed a brilliant show with clever set, beautiful costumes, big laughs and memorable sequences. Buckle your swashes and all aboard for a rollicking good time.
The Pirates of Penzance is playing at English National Opera, London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES (Leicester Square tube, Charing Cross tube/rail). Recommended for ages 5+. Showtimes at 7pm (select dates Tue-Sat, 6pm on Feb 1) and 2.30pm (select matinees); tickets from £10 + booking fees (until Feb 21)
**press trip, courtesy of ENO