STOS presents ...

Sheffield Telegraph - Nov 24 2006

"Joseph Papp's Broadway version of the fourth Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration (fifth, counting Thespis) has been tweaked a little by Sheffield Teachers Operatic Society to ring more laughs out of it.

Most of the cast in the production could have got away singing the original, in the case of Mabel, Alison Robertson, wiht spectacular results.

If she can sing the part like this with the music transposed down, she would be well-nigh sensational singing it at the correct pitch - a tantalising taste is in the coloratura at the end of Poor Wandering One.

A little ironically, the only time she appears to find life difficult with the lower pitch is in the interplorated Sorry Her Lot from HMS Pinafore.

Coincidentally, the other borrowed item, the Patter Trio from Ruddigore, is the least successful number in the show after Frederic's Is There Not One Maiden Breast, not entirely the fault of Neil Kirkman (it's an embarrassing Broadway legacy) who gives of his best in the role.

Daniel Farrimond with his fine baritone voice is a vocally splendid Pirate King but manically over-acts - as directed?

Wendy Turn, impressive as Ruth, has a legitimate-sounding mezzo soprano voice, Antony Bagshaw expertly plays Major General Stanley with an aura of professional know-how, and Mark Harris sings cleanly as a rubber-legged Sergeant of Police who leads a rather clever tap dance routine in When a Felon.

Conductor Anna Wright ensures strong musical values, the production is well-choreographed by Claire Harriott and Sue McCormick's direction rarely breaks from the traditional way of doing things but is engergetic and runs smoothly."

Bernard Lee

Sheffield Star - Nov 22 2006

"Sheffield Teachers' Operatic Soceity's thoroughly professional production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance is anything but amateur.

Clean cut Frederic, the Prate's apprentice, will have served out his long duty by midnight. But should he take Ruth, teh dim maid of dubious countenance, with him? She got him mixed up with the buccaneers in the first place.

Lovely Mabel, the General's daughter eases his decision. He decides to lead a cowardly bunch of policem[e]n against the pirates but a twist of fate leaves him with divided loyalties.

The songs, accompanied by a full orchestra, range from rousing macho priate ditties to sweet duets. The singing is good and the choreography spot on.

The leads are all excellent. Neil Kirkman does a hilarious Elvis impersonation and has women throwing themselves at him when singing, "Oh is There Not One Maiden Breast". Ruth has a powerful voice and a subtle range as well as great comic timing when trying to convince Frederic she is beautiful. Alison Robertson as Mabel has a fabulous voice. One to watch out for in the future.

Daniel Farrimond puts in a Gary Oldmanesque turn as the Pirate King but has a great pair of lungs too. Finally Antony Bagshaw ages 30 years to pull off a rousing rendition of the classic "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General" and much more besides.

The scenery is well crafted and there is a clever use of lighting in hte final battle sequence, which leads to an unexpected denouement.

Director Sue McCormick has put together a mavellous musical. Recommended."

Stephen Grigg

Audience Feedback

"Congrats to the cast of Pirates of Penzance ... the show was excellent"

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