The English National Opera's revival of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic comic opera, HMS Pinafore, is sailing into the London Coliseum with a fresh wave of hilarity. Directed by Cal McCrystal, this 2021 production transforms the Victorian satire into a riotous homage to British comedy, complete with slapstick, saucy innuendo, and a scene-stealing turn by Mel Giedroyc.
A Victorian Romp with a 1970s Twist
First staged in 1878, the original HMS Pinafore lampooned the political ascent of First Lord of the Admiralty W.H. Smith. While that historical jab remains, McCrystal's vision broadens its comedic horizons. The production is firmly rooted in its period but infused with the anarchic spirit of the Victorian music hall and, more distinctly, a warm affection for the Carry On films and 1970s British comedy.
The concept is hilariously established in a new prologue. With deft comic timing, John Savournin explains that a cultural exchange scheme has sent an ENO chorister to work with Michael Portillo, while Mel Giedroyc of Great British Bake Off fame has been drafted in as a replacement. This sets the stage for Giedroyc's engagingly chaotic performance, as she navigates two roles with the panicked charm of a classic double-act.
Physical Comedy and a Stellar Cast
What truly propels this Pinafore into modern waters is McCrystal's relentless barrage of physical gags. The cast embraces the madness with full commitment. Takis's vibrant, traditional set and costumes are lit slickly by Tim Mitchell, creating a perfect D'Oyly Carte-style backdrop for the mayhem.
The script, with additional material by McCrystal and Toby Davies, is a minefield of double entendres, from poop decks to stiff ones, delivered with gleeful precision. Not every joke is a bullseye, but the hit rate is impressively high, including a spot-on Charles Hawtrey impression from a sailor emerging from below deck.
The company is universally strong. Neal Davies is an impeccably sung, louche Sir Joseph Porter, John Savournin is an amiable Captain Corcoran, and Trevor Eliot Bowes makes a deliciously hammy Dick Deadeye, inspiring an avalanche of related puns. Henna Mun and Thomas Atkins provide sterling vocal and romantic leads as Josephine and Ralph.
A Gloriously Daffy Crowd-Pleaser
Under the baton of Matthew Kofi Waldren, Sullivan's score is delivered with plenty of punch. The ENO chorus is on outstanding form, tackling Lizzi Gee's gleefully demanding choreography with energy and skill. When the entire company launches into the barnstorming hornpipe, the production fires on all cylinders, proving itself a genuine, heartwarming crowd-pleaser.
This is a HMS Pinafore that doesn't just respect its source material but joyfully sends it up, creating an evening of unabashed, laugh-out-loud fun. Cal McCrystal's production runs at the London Coliseum until 7 February.
