THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
The newest offering from the folks over at Sydney Theatre is a thrillingly modern twist on Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, directed by Sasha Regan.
The award-winning London production shows just how versatile Gilbert & Sullivan’s classics are. The questionable decision to use an all-male cast reminiscent of a boys’ school production is in one word: hilarious.
The chorus of daughters who are played by seven male actors with a surprisingly wonderful knack for singing enchantingly high, caused some audience members to roar with laughter, especially the charming Mabel played by the brilliantly camp Alan Richardson.
While the absurdity of these male actors wearing white corsets and prancing around like girls might seem a bit too surreal in the context of the original production, it really does work and adds a little something to an already much-loved classic.
Staying truthful to the timeless musical score, with classics like I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General, amid the gender bending and frivolity, The Pirates of Penzance is a delightfully uplifting night of swash-buckling good theatre.
Until Nov 24, Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, 9250 1777, $45-90, sydneytheatre.com.au
