Music by Arthur Sullivan
Lyrics by W.S. Gilbert
At the Epsom Playhouse
Spring 2010
Director - Lee Power
Music Director - David Edwards
Choreographer - Helen Parker
Cast List
Major-General Stanley - Ian Lambert
The Pirate King - Chris Evans
Samuel (his lieutenant) - Steve Mackenzie
Frederic (the Pirate Apprentice) - David Farley
Sergaent of Police - Chris Watkins
Mabel (General Stanley's Daughter) - Honey Rouhani
Edith (General Stanley's Daughter) - Wendy Halls
Kate (General Stanley's Daughter) - Emily Evans
Isabel (General Stanley's Daughter) - Charlie Dyer
Ruth (a Pirate Maid of all Work) - Sally Hatton
Pirates
Anthony Black, David Don, Paul Featherstone, Chris Haslett, John Hayman-Joyce, Cavin Henry, Gary Herring, Steve Leitch, Maurice Pagella, Dilip Patel, Chris Rumbold, Des Wilby, Harry Wilkinson, Les Woodcock, Michael Zeffman
Policemen
Anthony Black, Gary Herring, Maurice Pagella, Dilip Patel, Lee Power, Chris Rumbold, Des Wilby, Les Woodcock
General Stanley's Daughters
Geraldine Birch, Jacky Cook, Christine Evans, Charlie Hoddell, Jill Howlett, Nicola Howlett, Hattie Knight, Polly Padley, Helen Parker, Julie Parker, Lisa Scott, Diana Springate, Louise Watkins, Sandra Zeffman
Chaperones
Heather Congdon, Mary Dixson, Penny Hanham, Janet Holah, Lin Roworth-Stokes, Linda Sutch, Linda Thomas
Photos by Sandy Greenway - click here
Review by Tony Flook - Surrey Mirror
After an over-long, rather constrained overture, ELOC's production burst into life and showed this Gilbert & Sullivan favourite at its non-stop, free-flowing best under Lee Power's direction.
Sally Hatton made an early impact as she revealed Ruth's misdemeanour in apprenticing Frederic to a pirate.
Pirate King Chris Evans showed himself every bit the leader of his disparate band as he set out his philosophy in Oh Better Far to Live and Die.
Ruth and Frederic (David Farley) combined faultlessly in Oh! False One, You Have Deceived Me but, elsewhere, the male lead had difficulty hitting some notes.
Steve Mackenzie creditably maintained his balance and poise as a one-legged Samuel.
Honey Rouhani shone brightly throughout as Mabel, never better than in Poor Wandering One and Dear Father, Why Leave Your Bed, and Ian Lambert took every opportunity to explore the comic potential of Major-General Stanley's patter song, with meticulous timing.
There was similar talent among the cameo parts, with brief but telling contributions from Charlie Dyer, Emily Evans and Wendy Halls as three of the Major-General's daughters. It was encouraging that most of the dozen or more other girls looked young enough to be credible for their roles. Michael Zeffman's single line and outlandish pink garb established him as more of a pirate queen than king.
Sergeant of Police Chris Watkins and his team exuded bravado as they boldly proclaimed Tarantara, Tarantara, then stamped their authority With Cat-Like Tread.
Ensemble work made a vital contribution, as in the finales to both acts and Go And Do You Best Endeavour, while Helen Parker's imaginative choreography and grouping always caught attention.
Musical director David Edwards supported the on-stage performers by allowing every word to be clearly heard and never drowned out.
Gilbert & Sullivan doesn't come brighter than this.
NODA Review by Danny Sparks
Frankly, there is very little I can say about this Production, except 'it was splendid!'. I enjoyed every moment, from the overture to the finale.
Apart from a slight imbalance with Sally Hatton's (Ruth) first song, which was very quickly put right, the sound was well controlled and balanced. Lighting was equally effective. Helen, the choreographer, had drilled her pirates, policemen and daughters with precision.
Every word could be heard (as it should be with G&S), every nuance was perfected and every movement was precise. The Principles were well cast and I cannot make any meaningful criticism of any person.
All in all, ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT!
Thank you ELOC for a wonderful evening.