English National Opera's latest production of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'HMS Pinafore' is a sidesplitting romp that will have you chuckling from start to finish. The show has lost none of its zany charm, with director Cal McCrystal bringing the period piece up-to-date by infusing it with references to 1970s British comedy and Carry On films.
The production's strongest asset is its cast, who bring a level of physical comedy that will leave you giggling uncontrollably. Neal Davies shines as the debonair Sir Joseph Porter, while John Savournin brings a winning warmth to the role of Captain Corcoran. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and their performances are matched by the impressive talents of Rhonda Browne, who steals the show as the lovelorn Buttercup.
But the real star of the show has to be Mel Giedroyc, who takes on not one but two roles with remarkable aplomb. Her anarchic energy brings a new level of unpredictability to 'HMS Pinafore', and her performances are a joy to watch.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout turns from Thomas Atkins as the lovable simpleton Ralph and Trevor Eliot Bowes as the hammy Dick Deadeye. Matthew Kofi Waldren's masterful arrangements bring the music to life, and the ENO chorus delivers a tour-de-force performance in Lizzi Gee's lively choreography.
If there's one area where 'HMS Pinafore' falls short, it's in some of the jokes that fall flat – but even these couldn't detract from the show's overall sense of joy and abandon. With its dazzling costumes, slick lighting, and side-splitting cast, this is a production that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
The only surprise here is just how well 'HMS Pinafore' holds up in the modern era – this is a show that never went out of style, and ENO's latest staging proves why. It may be a bit of a dodgy proposition for some, but for everyone else, it's a treat that will leave you feeling merry and bright.
The production's strongest asset is its cast, who bring a level of physical comedy that will leave you giggling uncontrollably. Neal Davies shines as the debonair Sir Joseph Porter, while John Savournin brings a winning warmth to the role of Captain Corcoran. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and their performances are matched by the impressive talents of Rhonda Browne, who steals the show as the lovelorn Buttercup.
But the real star of the show has to be Mel Giedroyc, who takes on not one but two roles with remarkable aplomb. Her anarchic energy brings a new level of unpredictability to 'HMS Pinafore', and her performances are a joy to watch.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout turns from Thomas Atkins as the lovable simpleton Ralph and Trevor Eliot Bowes as the hammy Dick Deadeye. Matthew Kofi Waldren's masterful arrangements bring the music to life, and the ENO chorus delivers a tour-de-force performance in Lizzi Gee's lively choreography.
If there's one area where 'HMS Pinafore' falls short, it's in some of the jokes that fall flat – but even these couldn't detract from the show's overall sense of joy and abandon. With its dazzling costumes, slick lighting, and side-splitting cast, this is a production that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
The only surprise here is just how well 'HMS Pinafore' holds up in the modern era – this is a show that never went out of style, and ENO's latest staging proves why. It may be a bit of a dodgy proposition for some, but for everyone else, it's a treat that will leave you feeling merry and bright.
I just watched 'HMS Pinafore' at the English National Opera and I'm still chuckling 
! The cast is absolutely brilliant, especially Mel Giedroyc who steals every scene with her two roles 
. I love how they updated the period piece with 1970s British comedy references - it's genius! 
The choreography by Lizzi Gee is also super lively and the chorus kills it 
. My only gripe is that some of the jokes feel a bit dated, but honestly who cares when the show is this much fun? 
I think what I love most about 'HMS Pinafore' is its pure, unadulterated joy - it's like a big ol' hug in theatre form 
. ENO really outdid themselves with this production and if you haven't seen it yet, do get thee to the opera ASAP! 
The chemistry between Neal Davies & John Savournin is everything 
And that chorus dance routine in Lizzi Gee's choreography was pure magic 
Thomas Atkins as Ralph is like the ultimate lovable dweeb 
Did you catch any of those Carry On references? 
, especially Mel Giedroyc who steals the show (and two roles no less!) 
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, but honestly, it didn't detract from the overall joy and abandon of the show. ENO's latest staging is pure magic 
. I was giggling nonstop even when some of the jokes fell flat (lol, it happens 
The costumes, lighting, music... everything comes together to create a show that's just ridiculously fun. Can't wait to see what they do next 
. And can we talk about Neal Davies as Sir Joseph Porter? Swoon 
. The music is also on point, Matthew Kofi Waldren's arrangements are genius 
. It's not just a romp, it's a full-on party in your seat 
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. The cast is fine, I guess, but let's be real, they're not exactly breaking any new ground here 
. And don't even get me started on the costumes and lighting – it's just a bunch of flashy stuff to distract us from how stale the show really is 
. And what's with Mel Giedroyc doing two roles? Just more proof that they can't be bothered to come up with something new and original 
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Just saw the review for English National Opera's 'HMS Pinafore' and I'm kinda surprised they're saying this show is still going strong... I mean, we all know how long Gilbert and Sullivan's comedies last in terms of staying relevant 
. And what's up with the lead actor playing two roles? That's just confusing 
?
they say its 1970s British comedy but all I see are outdated jokes about love, war, and sailing 
meanwhile the cast gets to do some actual physical comedy that's kinda funny I guess 
but also i have to say the supporting cast is SO funny, esp that one guy who played dick deadeye was hilarious 
. my fave part tho was when mel giedroyc sang her heart out, she's like the queen of comedy 
The only thing that'd make this production perfect would be if some of those jokes landed a bit harder, but honestly, I'm too busy laughing to care 
! The cast is absolutely on point, especially Mel Giedroyc who totally steals the show with her two roles 
. The choreography by Lizzi Gee was amazing and the arrangements by Matthew Kofi Waldren were spot on 
and we had the best time ever! we saw this crazy sunset and it was literally like nothing i've ever seen before 
. have you guys tried making those cute little pastry balls that look like animals? i found this amazing recipe online and they turned out so adorable 