HMS Pinafore Review: A Delightfully Daffy Take on Gilbert and Sullivan Classic
English National Opera's new staging of HMS Pinafore is an energetic romp that brings the classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical into the 21st century. With its witty script, clever plot twists, and hilarious physical comedy, this revival proves to be a joyous celebration of music hall theatre.
The show's irreverent approach to its original period setting makes it feel remarkably contemporary, with additional material by Cal McCrystal and Toby Davies injecting a healthy dose of 1970s British comedy and Carry On film references. The result is a work that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.
At the heart of this production are its talented cast members, who deliver consistently strong performances across the board. John Savournin shines as Captain Corcoran, bringing a winning combination of charm and comedic timing to his role. Neal Davies brings a delightful air of rakishness to Sir Joseph Porter, while Rhonda Browne's Buttercup provides a warm and witty presence.
But it's Mel Giedroyc who steals the show with her scene-stealing performance as Aunt Melanie, playing not one but two roles in a dizzying display of comedic chameleonism. Her anarchic energy is infectious, making even the most dodgy jokes land with surprising aplomb.
Meanwhile, Takis's sleek and stylish costumes bring the world of HMS Pinafore to vivid life, while Tim Mitchell's lighting design creates a vibrant and dynamic visual feast. The ENO chorus proves itself to be more than equal to the demands of Lizzi Gee's exuberant choreography, delivering some truly show-stopping performances.
Overall, this production is an absolute joy from start to finish, with its boundless energy and generosity of spirit making it feel like a real crowd-pleaser. With its irreverent take on Gilbert and Sullivan, HMS Pinafore is a delightful treat for fans of the classic musical, and a testament to the enduring power of music hall theatre in the modern era.
English National Opera's new staging of HMS Pinafore is an energetic romp that brings the classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical into the 21st century. With its witty script, clever plot twists, and hilarious physical comedy, this revival proves to be a joyous celebration of music hall theatre.
The show's irreverent approach to its original period setting makes it feel remarkably contemporary, with additional material by Cal McCrystal and Toby Davies injecting a healthy dose of 1970s British comedy and Carry On film references. The result is a work that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.
At the heart of this production are its talented cast members, who deliver consistently strong performances across the board. John Savournin shines as Captain Corcoran, bringing a winning combination of charm and comedic timing to his role. Neal Davies brings a delightful air of rakishness to Sir Joseph Porter, while Rhonda Browne's Buttercup provides a warm and witty presence.
But it's Mel Giedroyc who steals the show with her scene-stealing performance as Aunt Melanie, playing not one but two roles in a dizzying display of comedic chameleonism. Her anarchic energy is infectious, making even the most dodgy jokes land with surprising aplomb.
Meanwhile, Takis's sleek and stylish costumes bring the world of HMS Pinafore to vivid life, while Tim Mitchell's lighting design creates a vibrant and dynamic visual feast. The ENO chorus proves itself to be more than equal to the demands of Lizzi Gee's exuberant choreography, delivering some truly show-stopping performances.
Overall, this production is an absolute joy from start to finish, with its boundless energy and generosity of spirit making it feel like a real crowd-pleaser. With its irreverent take on Gilbert and Sullivan, HMS Pinafore is a delightful treat for fans of the classic musical, and a testament to the enduring power of music hall theatre in the modern era.
she's always telling me these hilarious stories about her cat, Mr Whiskers 
like he's the real star of the show 
anyway back to HMS Pinafore... I love how they updated it with 70s comedy references 
and Carry On vibes 
those costumes tho 
are so on point! I'm def gonna have to catch this production ASAP 
so i was watching this hms pinafore review thingy on netflix and i have to say i'm totally intrigued by how they adapted the original gilbert & sullivan musical for the 21st century 
it's like, they took all these classic jokes and songs and just made them feel fresh again? 
- That's what I think about this new production of HMS Pinafore! It's like a breath of fresh air, taking an old classic and turning it into something totally fresh and funny 
. I'm so glad I got to experience this production, it's definitely a treat!
.
the choreography is so lively and fun to watch too 
can we get a cast recording of this ASAP pls 
just saw the new HMS Pinafore at ENO 
her energy is ELECTRIC 
️ and the costumes are EVERYTHING 
the music hall vibes are still so COOL 
can't wait to see more shows like this 