Harrogate Gilbert & Sullivan Society
T h e P i r a t e s of P e n z a n c e 2 0 1 6
The Cast
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Pirates, Police and General Stanley's Daughters
The Principals (see portraits)
Souvenir Programme
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Major-General Stanley
Alistair Donkin
Samuel
Colin Belsey
Ruth
Liz Kelley
Mabel
Helen Johnson
Kate
Kathleen Louw
Isabel
Roz Ebbetts
The Pirate King
David Parker
Frederic
Daniel Stanford
Edith
Brittany Rachin
Sergeant of Police
Donald Stephenson
Sopranos
Alex Bird
Catherine Bonello
Catherine Culligan
Gwen Nuttall
Helen Hovell
Jenny Humphreys
Katherine Doherty
Tracy Laverick
Wendy Belsey
Wendy Richardson
Altos
Carrie Brown
Charlotte Brown
Dot Haken
Julie Robinson
Sam Westwood
Tenors
Andy Wilkinson
David Richardson
Graham Hardman
John Carter
Kristian Lopez
Basses
Chris Igoe
Graham Woods
Jim Coleman
John Bonello
Peter Haken
Terry Harrison
Publicity photos
Shot on location on the River Nidd
Dress rehearsal photos
Photos courtesy of Serenity Studios
Harrogate Advertiser review
Article appeared in the Harrogate Advertiser 19 May 2016
It can be no secret that the familiar combination of Alistair Donkin (director) and Oliver Longstaff (conductor) always ensures a committed, energetic and well-prepared performance of whichever Gilbert and Sullivan opera is chosen by the Harrogate G &S Society, and this year’s lively production of The Pirates of Penzance is no exception.
A crucial test of ‘Pirates’ is the unaccompanied passage in the Act 1 Finale ‘Hail, Poetry!’ and it is a delight to report that in this version it is confident, expressive and wholly accurate; truly the climactic moment which the authors intended.
Helen Johnson (Mabel) and Daniel Stanford (Frederic) emerge with considerable credit from the demands Sullivan makes of them. Despite the vocal pyrotechnics it’s the tenderness which stands out; the duet ‘Ah leave me not to pine alone’ being a particular highlight of the production.
In other roles Liz Kelley is a formidable Ruth, David Parker a suitably ferocious Pirate King, and Donald Stephenson an imposing Sergeant of Police.
It’s wonderful to see Alistair Donkin reprising the role of Major-General Stanley, many years after his triumphs with the old D’Oyly Carte company: his timing and professionalism are an example to all G&S performers.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening out. The show runs until Saturday.
Harry Thomas
Audience reviews
Unsolicited reviews from our lovely audiences!
'We really enjoyed the show tonight. Well done to all of you and thanks for a great night's entertainment' Jackie Garry and Emmi
'A wonderful night out, you were all wonderful...' Julie, Clare and Nat
'My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the show as did all the audience members around us ... there were some truly talented performances' Angela
'Well done to the society for another fantastic production - the singing was excellent and the costumes were lovely - a great show' Jack
'Congratulations to everyone involved in a joyous production' Jane
'My aunt and I had a wonderful time and were made very welcome. The seats were great and we enjoyed ourselves enormously' Megan
'Pop up Pirates' - part of the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, Harrogate - 15 August 2016
The Pirates of Penzance are preparing to launch a raid on the International Festival – in coalition with the Festival audience!
HGSS warmly invite the participation of volunteer pirates, policemen and daughters, to stage and perform 'Pirates' in a single afternoon! If you would rather just sing along, or simply sit back and watch the mayhem unfold, you will also be very welcome.
In the first part of the afternoon, straightforward routines for the company scenes will be rehearsed, and participants will be provided with basic costumes and props. After a short interval, there will be a (slightly abridged) performance, accompanied in the original two piano arrangement of the score by Andrew Bedford (HGSS’s resident pianist) and John Longstaff (former répétiteur with the New D’Oyly Carte).
So, if you would like to gaily tread the measure, steal upon your prey, or slap your chest and sing ta-ran-ta-ra – don’t just sit there; DO SOMETHING!
(Please note: participants on stage will be asked to work without scores; principal roles will be covered by HGSS).