"Pinafore” By West High School

Press, Volume C, Issue 29625, 22 September 1961, Page 13

"Pinafore” By West High School

Few performances by young people in the city equal those staged by pupils of the Christchurch West High School; and their latest Gilbert and Sullivan opera, “H.M.S. Pinafore,” must be considered one of their best. “H.M.S. Pinafore” opened for a short season before a crowded house in the Repertory Theatre last evening. This year, the producer. Miss M. E. Osborne, has assembled a particularly strong cast. Many of her principal players have pleasing voices, and nearly all of them have more than the usual share of stage presence allotted to young actors. The opera ran from beginning to end without a moment’s hesitation; and this, considering the number on stage and the complexity of some scenes, is no small feat, even for so practised a producer. No doubt, all who saw “H.M.S. Pinafore” last evening would agree that Susan Napier, who played the part of Josephine, gave distinction to a difficult role. Her voice is tunefuL and it gained fa strength during the first act as she was assured of the interest of the audience'. Wendy Stockwell, in her turn, gave a brave performance as Little Buttercup, although her voice was not always full enough to convey the authority the part demands.

As for the men’s parts. David Stone and David Sanderson must share the honours in the comic roles David Stone as Sir Joseph Porter was mostly imperturbable: but he unbent, with alarming results, fa the hornpipe scene and in the delightful trio, ‘‘Never Mind the Why and Wherefore.” As Captain Corcoran, David Sanderson commanded the ship’s company with admirable composure and restraint The gallant captain and Sir Joseph were seen to great effect whenever they appeared together. Ralph Rackstraw is a difficult part, which makes considerable demands on singfag and acting ability, particularly in the first act John Stringer, however, showed himself equal to it. and after the experience of the first presentation, will probably be able* to give a

more relaxed performance. John Bromley was well cast as Dick Deadeye. He has a strong voice, used with good effect fa dialogue and fa his duet with Captain Corcoran, “Kind Captain, I’ve Important Information.” His attitude and manner were quite as sinister as any professional Deadeye could achieve.

The mate and the bo'sun had their best opportunities in Act I, and they made the most of them, particularly in the trio with Ralph “A British Tar Is a Soaring Soul.” These parts were played by Keith Hamel and John Knowles.

The chorus work fa “H.M.S. Pinafore” was good, and it was enjoyed by singers and audience alike. The school orchestra gave a tuneful performance. The support for the singers on stage was of quiet but pleasing quality. At the end of the programme appears the statement, "Production and Music: Miss M. E. Osborne.” This is indeed a modest indication of her achievement —C.E.S.