The classic operetta of The Lass that Loved a Sailor by Gilbert and Sullivan.The classic operetta of The Lass that Loved a Sailor by Gilbert and Sullivan.The classic operetta of The Lass that Loved a Sailor by Gilbert and Sullivan.
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- ConnectionsReferenced in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Featured review
I will declare an interest. HMS Pinafore was my introduction to G&S when I was a lad back in 1975. So I have very great affection for it. But sadly, not for this production.
The problem is that this production sots awkwardly between the live stage show, and a film version. Accordingly, the exaggerated gestures and facial expressions necessary for the former come across here as over acting, John Ayldon being a prime example. And John Reed's stage "business", hilarious in a live show, here looks contrived and awkward. As for the end " business" between the Captain & Buttercup, that is painfully unamusing to the point of looking nasty.
Michael Rayner is not my favourite Captain. Yes, he sings the part superbly, and he looks good. But his performance is too dark and intense, giving the impression of a doomed Mayor of Casterbridge type character, and this is G&S, not Thomas Hardy. Malcolm Williams as Ralph can sing, but he cannot act, and he certainly cannot dance. As for the chorus, it is obvious that Barry Clark was an understudy since he pulls more faces than Lon Chaney, whilst it is obvious that William Palmerley was not an understudy since he stands there like a piece of wood.
OK to the good performances. Pamela Field is very good as Josephine, managing to bring both sadness, and comedy, to the role. And Jon Ellison as Bill Bobstay manages to steal all his scenes with Ralph, for a romantic lead to be upstaged by a minor character says something about this production (OK, WSG himself would probably find it hilarious!)
The set looks nice, and I liked the little touch of Malcolm Coy playing the ship's Number One. Also a word for Graham Bull as Tom Tucker, yes its a very minor role, but it needs to played properly, and Graham puts in a nice little cameo.
Quite frankly, this version is suitable as nostalgia for those who saw the original D'Oyly Carte Company, but those who did not are best advised to leave this one for the veterans, and to go and see a modern production.
The problem is that this production sots awkwardly between the live stage show, and a film version. Accordingly, the exaggerated gestures and facial expressions necessary for the former come across here as over acting, John Ayldon being a prime example. And John Reed's stage "business", hilarious in a live show, here looks contrived and awkward. As for the end " business" between the Captain & Buttercup, that is painfully unamusing to the point of looking nasty.
Michael Rayner is not my favourite Captain. Yes, he sings the part superbly, and he looks good. But his performance is too dark and intense, giving the impression of a doomed Mayor of Casterbridge type character, and this is G&S, not Thomas Hardy. Malcolm Williams as Ralph can sing, but he cannot act, and he certainly cannot dance. As for the chorus, it is obvious that Barry Clark was an understudy since he pulls more faces than Lon Chaney, whilst it is obvious that William Palmerley was not an understudy since he stands there like a piece of wood.
OK to the good performances. Pamela Field is very good as Josephine, managing to bring both sadness, and comedy, to the role. And Jon Ellison as Bill Bobstay manages to steal all his scenes with Ralph, for a romantic lead to be upstaged by a minor character says something about this production (OK, WSG himself would probably find it hilarious!)
The set looks nice, and I liked the little touch of Malcolm Coy playing the ship's Number One. Also a word for Graham Bull as Tom Tucker, yes its a very minor role, but it needs to played properly, and Graham puts in a nice little cameo.
Quite frankly, this version is suitable as nostalgia for those who saw the original D'Oyly Carte Company, but those who did not are best advised to leave this one for the veterans, and to go and see a modern production.
- chitara-69170
- Sep 26, 2020
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