Reviews: HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance at the Festival Theatre, Malvern.

THESE delightful offerings from the pens of Gilbert and Sullivan are both favourites and fun for folk of all ages, and it was good to see such a wide age range in the audiences for both productions.

Pinafore was on last week, this week it's the Pirates. with this double-serving coming from the stable of the lively and talented Carl Rosa Opera Company.

Pirates is perhaps the stronger of the two operettas with its considerable wit and satire, and certainly has the more memorable characters and music - although Colin Baker, who once played Dr Who, showed us his immeasurable talents in another direction as the outrageously pompous Sir Joseph Porter, who had designs on marrying the daughter of the Pinafore's captain until class came into the equation.

This new production of Pinafore was directed by that acclaimed actor, Timothy West, and he more than did G & S justice

Pirates opened on Monday for a four day run which concludes tomorrow night (Thu) and if you have never been to an opera before this is the one I would recommend to arouse your interest.

Peter Mulloy's direction was near impeccable and although our pirates hardly looked a convincing cuthroat bunch, they and the rest of the company cut quite a dash on stage when in full flow with several of the easily recognisable numbers. Great voices in unison aided by some hilarious performances.

AW