HMS Pinafore Review – Continue up the poop deck in Gilbert and Sullivan’s ENO freak show | Opera

WWhen HMS Pinafore was first introduced in 1878, audiences would have appreciated a particularly topical satire insulting the First Lord of the Admiralty, W. H. Smith, a man who, like Gilbert’s Sir Joseph Porter, had risen to the political mogul without any naval experience. Smith’s name lives on in the newsagents chain, while elsewhere English National Opera’s raucous show seeks its targets in a lively show that takes the idea of ​​a running gag to a whole new level.

Rooted in its original period, Cal McCrystal’s 2021 show is an homage to the subtly transgressive world of the Victorian music hall that, like the love in Gilbert’s text, has already managed to “level all ranks.” With additional material by McChrystal and Toby Davies, it also shows a good affection for 1970s British comedies and the Carry On films in particular.

The introduction, delivered with deft comedic timing by John Savornin, introduces a fresh take on this revival. A mutual arts swap scheme appears to have sent an ENO choir member to work on tour with Michael Portillo, while Mel Giedroyc of Bake Off fame has been drafted in to take her place. In true Eric and Ernie fashion, she finds herself taking on two roles in a show she’s barely rehearsed to often hilarious effect.

The roller coaster and vibrant costumes – cleverly designed by Takis, and brilliantly lit by Tim Mitchell – could have come out of a D’Oyly Carte time capsule. What keeps the film fresh is the storm of physical comedy provided by McChrystal and a cast that is hardworking and willing to follow where he leads. There’s a range of dual appeals, from stool tops and forts to mermaid love pockets, breaststrokes and solid pockets. At one point, with an instant Charles Hawtrey impression, a bespectacled sailor emerges from below deck to announce that he has just finished Three Men in a Boat. Not every joke works perfectly, but the success rate is impressively high.

It’s a strong band. Neil Davies flawlessly sings “Sir Joseph”, a ditzy ditzy struggling to pronounce the letter ‘r’ (cue jokes about his lofty ‘rank’). Savornin’s affable fellow, Captain Corcoran, pairs well with Rhonda Brown’s spunky Buttercup. Hannah Moon’s brightly sung “Josephine” is the perfect foil for Thomas Atkins’ floppy-haired Ralph, with Trevor Elliott Bowes as a delicious Dick Diddy (cue a stream of penis jokes). The tireless Giedroyc has an engagingly chaotic presence throughout.

Matthew Coffey Waldren delivers the score with plenty of punch, and the ENO Chorus is in fine form, taking the considerable challenges imposed on them by Lizzi Gee’s delightful choreography through their paces. When all cylinders are firing, as is the case with the barnstorming company’s hornpipe, this fantastic Pinafore is a real crowd pleaser.