Lively Performance Of ‘The Pirates Of Penzance’

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29851, 18 June 1962, Page 15

Lively Performance Of ‘The Pirates Of Penzance’

Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts would have little criticism for the Risirgho'me Choir's production of “The Pirates of Penzance.” which was presented at Linwood High School on Saturday evening A lively performance was maintained from the opening chorus, when the pirates gathered to celebrate the twenty-first birthday of th’ir apprentice. Frederick, to the firole

Edmund Bohan gave a good oortrayal of ’he du'v-b und Frederick His fine tenor voice was used to advantage throughout The ma'e voices generally were better than The women's, with the exception of Ruth, the pirate maid of all work, p'ayed by Anita Ledsham She entered into the part of the nurse with zest, and brought sympathetic amusement from the audience.

The entrance of Bruce Barker as Major-General Stanley was a feature of the ahow His performance of the difficult song, "I Am the Ver?' Model of a Modem MajorGeneral." was excellent Bath male and female choruses gave a well-blended performance The acting and singing of the police troup which gathered *o ex'errrrn'*e the pirates, was first class They made the most of the comic possibilities offering The part of the heroffie. Mabel, needs a strong soprano voice to do it justice. Jean Le Cren was adequate as Mabel. Although her speaking voice was expressive, het singing lacked a clarity of

tone, and the top notes, except in her duets with Frederick, were often dull.

Both Rodney Macann, as the Pirate King, and lan Grieve, as Samuel his lieutenant, gave consistent performances and expressive characterisations. Their voices carried well and they played their parts with vigour. The sets were cleverly designed to give the atmosphere of a pirafe lair in Act One and the ruins of a chapel in Act Two The costumes were gay and in keeping with the se'. tings.

A second performance will be given this evening.