English National Opera's HMS Pinafore is an unapologetic riot of physical comedy and witty one-liners that lovingly skewers the absurdities of Victorian social hierarchy. This 2021 revival, directed by Cal McCrystal, is a veritable throwback to the sleazy world of 1970s British music halls, with additional material that conjures up the Carry On films in all their bawdy glory.
The production opens on a tongue-in-cheek premise: an arts exchange scheme has seen an ENO chorus member shipped off to star in a travelogue with Michael Portillo, while Mel Giedroyc takes her place in the show. This ingenious setup is milked for laughs as Giedroyc effortlessly switches between two roles, frequently hilarious effects ensuing.
McCrystal's masterstroke is harnessing the anarchic energy of this premise and channeling it into a dizzying array of slapstick physical comedy and rapid-fire wordplay. The result is a dazzling show that careens wildly between silly songs and scenes, with a host of double entendres that will leave audiences in stitches.
Despite an occasionally uneven hit rate on jokes, the cast's sheer enthusiasm and dedication to McCrystal's chaotic vision make this Pinafore a joyous ride from start to finish. Neal Davies shines as the pompous Sir Joseph Porter, while John Savournin brings warmth and authority to the amiable Captain Corcoran. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Henna Mun delivering a bright and breezy performance as Josephine.
The ENO chorus proves itself to be an absolute force of nature, tackling Lizzi Gee's whirlwind choreography with aplomb and precision. When the company comes together in rousing ensemble numbers, such as the barnstorming company hornpipe, this gloriously daffy Pinafore truly takes off.
Overall, English National Opera's HMS Pinafore is a sidesplitting romp that will leave audiences grinning from ear to ear and begging for more.
The production opens on a tongue-in-cheek premise: an arts exchange scheme has seen an ENO chorus member shipped off to star in a travelogue with Michael Portillo, while Mel Giedroyc takes her place in the show. This ingenious setup is milked for laughs as Giedroyc effortlessly switches between two roles, frequently hilarious effects ensuing.
McCrystal's masterstroke is harnessing the anarchic energy of this premise and channeling it into a dizzying array of slapstick physical comedy and rapid-fire wordplay. The result is a dazzling show that careens wildly between silly songs and scenes, with a host of double entendres that will leave audiences in stitches.
Despite an occasionally uneven hit rate on jokes, the cast's sheer enthusiasm and dedication to McCrystal's chaotic vision make this Pinafore a joyous ride from start to finish. Neal Davies shines as the pompous Sir Joseph Porter, while John Savournin brings warmth and authority to the amiable Captain Corcoran. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Henna Mun delivering a bright and breezy performance as Josephine.
The ENO chorus proves itself to be an absolute force of nature, tackling Lizzi Gee's whirlwind choreography with aplomb and precision. When the company comes together in rousing ensemble numbers, such as the barnstorming company hornpipe, this gloriously daffy Pinafore truly takes off.
Overall, English National Opera's HMS Pinafore is a sidesplitting romp that will leave audiences grinning from ear to ear and begging for more.
I mean, come on forum... can't we just have a discussion without the drama? 
The production of HMS Pinafore sounds like an absolute blast, but what's with all the unnecessary clicks on my comments thread? It's always something, right? 
First it's like 5 minutes to load and now I've got like 10 notifications saying someone replied to a post that's been inactive for ages 
. Can't we just focus on the music, theater, or whatever the topic is? 
I'm loving how the UK's arts scene is all about embracing absurdity and having a laugh – kinda like our own government's approach to, say, Brexit 
. All jokes aside, though, this revival of HMS Pinafore reminds me that satire can be a powerful tool for social commentary, just think of South Park or The Daily Show 
. While the show might not tackle super serious issues, it cleverly skewers class and social status – almost like our own politicians trying to justify their wealth with 'public service' 
. The cast's energy and dedication are infectious, though, just like how our government is all about 'keeping the people happy' 
. One thing's for sure, this Pinafore production will keep audiences entertained – but let's not forget, laughter is a great way to distract from the real issues, right? 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see their favorite opera singer suddenly find themselves in the middle of a dodgy arts exchange scheme? 
It's just so ridiculous! The Carry On vibes are totally on point too - I'm sold! 
And can we talk about how amazing the cast is? Neal Davies as Sir Joseph Porter is pure gold 
Genius! The slapstick comedy had me laughing out loud, and I loved how it all came together so seamlessly.Neal Davies as Sir Joseph Porter was perfectionist 
. But seriously, the whole cast just has that energy and chemistry that's infectious. Can't wait to see more of this show and get my fix of daffy fun! 
. Neal Davies as Sir Joseph Porter is perfection 
and I love how the whole cast just dives into this chaotic vision with such enthusiasm 
. It's like they're all just having a massive party on stage 
! 
It's like they're having a party up there on stage!
. The jokes were a bit hit-or-miss, but honestly, who cares? It's just a ridiculously fun show that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. 
. Has anyone else seen it? What did they think?
it was like watching a tiny little comedian trying out new material. I mean, I love HMS Pinafore as much as the next person, but that cat's antics were on point. And have you ever noticed how cats always seem to land on their feet? It's like they're performing some sort of feline magic trick 
. Anyway, back to the opera... or was it the cat trying to get tuna out of a can? 
. And can we talk about the choreography? Lizzi Gee's stuff is insane 
! I'm so glad they're bringing this classic to life again, it's a total hoot 
. Overall, this Pinafore is a masterclass in comedy and entertainment #HMSPinaforeRevival #ENO #ComedyGold #PhysicalComedyFrenzy
And the cast is just fantastic, Neal Davies as Sir Joseph Porter is pure gold 
. And that ENO chorus? FORGET ABOUT IT 
, their choreography skills are insane! They bring this gloriously daffy show to life and make you want to dance (or laugh) the whole time 
Lizzi Gee's choreography is insane but in a good way?! The whole production has this 1970s British music hall vibe that I'm SO here for 
. Can't wait to see it live! 
. The chorus is absolute perfection, their choreography is insane but so much fun to watch 
. I'm definitely adding this production to my bucket list ASAP 
The cast's energy is infectious, with the ENO chorus absolutely killing it with their choreography. I'm seeing a lot of fans saying that this Pinafore is better than the 2011 revival 
. And, fun fact, did you know that this production has broken the record for most curtain calls in ENO history? 
The average age of audience members is 42 years old, which is a bit older than usual for musical theater 
.
A rough breakdown of audience demographics: 
! the choreography is insane too, Lizzi Gee really outdid herself with that whirlwind stuff . and let's be real, who doesn't want to watch Mel Giedroyc play two roles at once?