The Pirates Of Penzance

Just in time for Christmas comes the most panto-like production of the ENO season. This latest revival of Mike Leigh’s take on The Pirates of Penzance is a down-to-earth telling that will threaten to steal your heart.

Leigh was a natural choice to direct this version which first saw light in 2015. As well as being a huge fan of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, he was intimate with their world. His 1999 film Topsy Turvy looked at the sometimes turbulent relationship between the composer and librettist leading up the premiere of The Mikado. That particular work has been absent from the Coliseum for some years but one of its stars - Richard Suart and his infamous Little Lists - appears here as the Major-General Stanley.

This is hardly the most visually dazzling or technologically advanced production this venue will see. It is not as underwhelming as was seen here in 2021 for The Valkyrie where the Gods walked around unlit circles in Primani and the simplistic approach here has a certain appeal. Those looking for fireworks may have to settle for some dazzling talent and, in place of virtual reality, there is “Victoria Regina”, a large image of whom appears in the closing scene. The basic staging retains throughout a grounded charm and acts as a tabula rasa against which the singing and orchestra are given full licence to shine.

This is one of the most celebrated and whimsical operettas this country has produced and, in this co-production with Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and the Saarländische Staatstheater Saarbrücken, the cast hit all the sweet spots. John Savournin makes for a fearsome Pirate King, willing to take on everyone (as long as they are not orphans) while, opposite him, Suart excels as the doddery pater familias. William Morgan’s earnest Pirate Apprentrice Frederic plays up his dilemma to the hilt, caught between his love for Mabel (a vibrant performance from Isabelle Peters) and his duty to his villainous employer. As Ruth, Gaynor Keeble is wonderfully strident as she stomps her way around the stage and James Creswell’s acting is as commendable as his voice when his Sergeant is ordered to take on the pirates.

The Pirates Of Penzance continues at the London Coliseum until 21 February 2025.
Photo credit: Craig Fuller