Date Reviewed: 24th March, 2009
Venue: The Lowry

The latest production from Opera Della Luna is HMS Pinafore. Although excellent in parts the various elements do not always combine to give a satisfying whole. Director Jeff Clark is respectful of the source material but does not hesitate to make cuts to the text nor to mock the comic opera itself. At one point the lid of the keyboard is slammed dangerously close to the fingers of the pianist to stop the cast from constantly reprising a number.

The company do a great deal with limited resources. The point is made by an opening sequence in which, over a lengthy overture, the cast construct Graham Wynne’s set. With five -a -side nets for walls and a drop of cloth to represent the ship’s mast it conveys the enthusiastic, if a bit low-rent, atmosphere of the show.

Yet there is a studied feel to the production. As if anxious to avoid any sign of being slick the cast move with a marked lack of military precision or even of co-ordination in the few dance routines. Such obvious hints are not needed as the low budget feel of the show is conveyed with humour in the scene where the admiral inspects a crew made up of just two people.

Although a period piece there is a contemporary edge to the production. Deborah Crowe channels Carol Thatcher into her interpretation of Josephine and so gives extra relevance to Gilbert’s digs at class prejudice. Although courting Josephine Sir Joseph Porter (Simon Butteriss) seems more interested in Able Seaman Ralph Rackshaw (Trevor Jary).

Clark sets a brisk pace to tell the story of how prejudice can be overcome by true love Josephine is attracted to Ralph but, as the daughter of the Captain of the HMS Pinafore, feels that he is beneath her social class. Unable to overcome her prejudice she agrees to a loveless union with Sir Joseph but the ship’s crew, and a passing gypsy called Little Buttercup, intervene.

Sullivan’s sprightly music is played by a five-piece band of keyboards, violin, flute and wind and percussion instruments . Simon Butteriss, as Sir Joseph, is the comic highpoint. More interested in consuming his liqour than insepecting the crew he gallops through his opening number -  at one point omitting the lyrics in his haste. All of the singing is excellent with Crowe and Jary particularly fine.

The enthusiasm and skill of Opera Della Luna are considerable strengthens and help to minimise any limitations imposed by budget restrictions. It is only when the songs reach the chorus that you realise there might be something missing.

A cast of just ten people cannot recreate the swell and volume that is needed to do full justice to the music, but they give it a good try.

-Dave Cunningham

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