Yo ho ho - Pirates present a treasure chest of music and fun

Review by Adam Smith
Arresting: In The Pirates of Penzance are (from the left) Steven Greenwood (Sam), Peter McDonnell (Sergeant of Police) and Ashley Davis (Pirate King).Arresting: In The Pirates of Penzance are (from the left) Steven Greenwood (Sam), Peter McDonnell (Sergeant of Police) and Ashley Davis (Pirate King).
Arresting: In The Pirates of Penzance are (from the left) Steven Greenwood (Sam), Peter McDonnell (Sergeant of Police) and Ashley Davis (Pirate King).

Swashbuckling and camp, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance - Broadway edition has landed at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax.

Presented by the distinguished Light Opera Society, this modern twist on an old classic is sure to give most theatre-going landlubbers a great night out.

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Splendid scenery and colourful costumes offer a suggestion of texture and theatrical grandeur. The lovely touch of playing the national anthem before the house curtain was raised takes the audience back to theatre of a bygone age, reminiscent of when this musical was first written.

The strong ensemble supports the principals, providing fantastic vocal performances throughout; playing a mixture of pirates, daughters and policemen. All leading roles are delivered with vocal precision and skill with very admirable performances from Ashley Davies, Richard Armstrong, Laura Crowther, Steve Convey and Sue Morris.

Smoothly choreographed by Alex Townend and with seamless direction from Steve Tetlow, the performance stays pacey, energetic and witty. Scenes are full of quirks and clever comedic tricks that keep the audience occupied and connected to the narrative. A strong 12-piece orchestra is confidently led by musical director Steve Muir and the thrust staging that surrounds the musicians enables them to become part of the action, lending comedic assistance in a number of scenes.

This pleasant and impressive musical leaves you feeling warm and jovial. It runs until Saturday, ‘me hearties’ - and tickets are still available from the theatre (box office 01422 351158).