English National Opera's latest production of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore is an unapologetically silly romp that expertly balances clever wit with high-energy physical comedy. Rooted in its original period, the show takes cues from the sly transgressiveness of Victorian music halls, infusing it with a modern affection for 1970s British comedy and Carry On films.
The production's most striking innovation is the reciprocal arts swap scheme between ENO's chorus member and Michael Portillo – a setup that provides some hilarious comedic moments. Mel Giedroyc takes on not one but two roles, bringing an engagingly anarchic presence to Aunt Melanie and the aforementioned Josephine, both of which she performs with minimal rehearsal.
The show's setting and design evoke a D'Oyly Carte time capsule, with Takis' vibrant costumes and Tim Mitchell's slick lighting effectively conjuring up a bygone era. However, it is Cal McCrystal's masterful direction that brings the production to life. With a "blizzard of physical comedy" on display, even the most jaded audiences are in for a treat.
The cast delivers standout performances across the board. Neal Davies shines as Sir Joseph, whose lack of nautical experience provides plenty of comedic fodder, while John Savournin's amiable Capt Corcoran provides a perfect foil to Rhonda Browne's matronly Buttercup. Henna Mun brings a delightful brightness to Josephine, paired with Thomas Atkins' muscular, floppy-haired Ralph for a match made in heaven.
Trevor Eliot Bowes steals the show as Dick Deadeye, with an avalanche of dick jokes that are both outrageous and laugh-out-loud funny. Meanwhile, Matthew Kofi Waldren serves up punchy scores with plenty of bite, with the ENO chorus proving themselves to be outstanding in their performances of Lizzi Gee's gleeful choreography.
At its best, this gloriously daffy Pinafore is a real crowd-pleaser – an entertaining romp that leaves you grinning from ear to ear.
The production's most striking innovation is the reciprocal arts swap scheme between ENO's chorus member and Michael Portillo – a setup that provides some hilarious comedic moments. Mel Giedroyc takes on not one but two roles, bringing an engagingly anarchic presence to Aunt Melanie and the aforementioned Josephine, both of which she performs with minimal rehearsal.
The show's setting and design evoke a D'Oyly Carte time capsule, with Takis' vibrant costumes and Tim Mitchell's slick lighting effectively conjuring up a bygone era. However, it is Cal McCrystal's masterful direction that brings the production to life. With a "blizzard of physical comedy" on display, even the most jaded audiences are in for a treat.
The cast delivers standout performances across the board. Neal Davies shines as Sir Joseph, whose lack of nautical experience provides plenty of comedic fodder, while John Savournin's amiable Capt Corcoran provides a perfect foil to Rhonda Browne's matronly Buttercup. Henna Mun brings a delightful brightness to Josephine, paired with Thomas Atkins' muscular, floppy-haired Ralph for a match made in heaven.
Trevor Eliot Bowes steals the show as Dick Deadeye, with an avalanche of dick jokes that are both outrageous and laugh-out-loud funny. Meanwhile, Matthew Kofi Waldren serves up punchy scores with plenty of bite, with the ENO chorus proving themselves to be outstanding in their performances of Lizzi Gee's gleeful choreography.
At its best, this gloriously daffy Pinafore is a real crowd-pleaser – an entertaining romp that leaves you grinning from ear to ear.
! I mean, the cast was on point, like Neal Davies as Sir Joseph, what a character 
! And Trevor Eliot Bowes as Dick Deadeye? Outrageous, mate! The set design was so cool, like they transported us straight to the Victorian era 
. But what really got me laughin' was that whole Michael Portillo swap scheme – genius! The energy on stage was electric, I was dancing in my seat 
. It's amazing how well it blended old and new, you know? Like a big ol' plate of fish 'n' chips, it had everything you wanted 
.
I'm not convinced by all the fuss about this HMS Pinafore production... it's just another "innovation" to get people to spend money on tickets, right? 
I mean, what's wrong with a good old-fashioned Gilbert and Sullivan opera? Do we really need some fancy arts swap scheme between the chorus member and Michael Portillo to make it funny? 
And don't even get me started on all the costumes and lighting... just more unnecessary bells and whistles to distract from the actual story, if you ask me. 
Still, I guess it's nice that the cast is good at what they do, but can't we just stick with a straightforward production without all these gimmicks? 
! I mean, who doesn't love Gilbert and Sullivan? The way they balanced wit with physical comedy was spot on 
! Not to mention Mel Giedroyc's two roles - she slayed them both 
), but honestly, that's part of its charm. The setting and design were on point too 
. And the cast? Absolutely phenomenal 
! Trevor Eliot Bowes as Dick Deadeye was hilarious 
.
. It's not perfect, but it's definitely worth watching if you haven't seen it yet 
.
! The combo of witty banter and slapstick humor had me giggling nonstop. I mean, who doesn't love a good dick joke? 
. The cast is on point, too - especially Trevor Eliot Bowes as Dick Deadeye, he's pure gold 
!
Meanwhile, social media is buzzing with fans sharing pics and vids from the show, with #HMSPinafore trending on Twitter for the past week! 
As for the cast, Neal Davies is getting 4.8/5 stars on IMDB, while Trevor Eliot Bowes has already sold out his second show! 
Guess you could say this production is a real catch...
- it makes HMS Pinafore feel fresh again! 
the way they've woven in modern comedy vibes is pure genius 
, with more slapstick humor than a Monty Python sketch 
! And who needs rehearsal when you can just wing it like the cast did? 
!
. The cast is on point too, especially Trevor Eliot Bowes as Dick Deadeye - his one-liners are hilarious 
! But what really stands out is the production's commitment to having fun and embracing its silly side. I left the theater feeling like a kid again, grinning from ear to ear 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good dick joke every now and then? 
The only thing that would've made it even better is if they had more female leads, but overall it's an absolute riot 
, and that reciprocal arts swap scheme between Michael Portillo and the chorus member is pure genius 
I'm not even kidding when I say this show had me laughing so hard my sides hurt 
the cast is AMAZINGgggg 
mel giedroyc's dual roles as aunt melanie and josephine are EVERYTHING 
, but overall, this Pinafore is an absolute delight.