Geoff and I are not known for our interest in Operettas but decided to go and see Dunfermline Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s  ‘HMS Pinafore’.  First performed in May 1878, Pinafore, along with many other Gilbert & Sullivan productions seem to withstand the test of time by being performed again and again. 

At first glance the set is impressive, looking from the Quarterdeck of the ship up to higher levels, utilising staircases either side of the stage. Sadly the Sailors and Marines have allowed naval manoeuvres to take a backseat whilst enjoying their singing and grog, as they seem to be all over the place during their opening number “We sail the ocean blue”.  Little Buttercup a Bumboat woman boards the ship to sell goods to the crew, it is onboard ship she discovers not one terrible secret from her past but two.  Meanwhile Captain Corcoran and his beautiful daughter Josephine await the arrival of Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter K.C.B. First Lord of the Admiralty, to whom Josephine is unwillingly betrothed.  Despite their disparity in station Josephine is in love with Ralph Rackstraw a humble able seaman, who is secretly reciprocating the feeling.

As with all G & S productions the situation manages to go from bad to worse before always finishing with an extremely happy if somewhat incredible resolution.

Some of the stage directions and choreography to me was extremely questionable but this unfortunate situation added to the humour of the situations. The total blessing of this production however is the superb quality of the vocal talents of the main characters.

Susan Burnett as Buttercup not only fits the characterisation being ‘red and round and rosy’ she also has a superb powerful voice, larger than life and totally believable.

Michael McFarlane as Captain Corcoran is well known for his many appearances with several companies throughout Fife. He displays his usual confident characterisation, his beautiful voice as always a pleasure to listen to.

Claire Porterfield as Josephine is a new performer to us, her good looks and beautiful voice promise many more leading parts to come.

David Much as the handsome young Ralph Rackstraw has a lovely voice and a pleasant appearance I look forward to seeing him in other leading roles in the future.

Colin Stubbs as Sir Joseph Porter and Mary Kidd as his cousin Hebe add mature comedy to the situation.

With many very enjoyable, if usually difficult musical numbers, all G & S productions provide scope for the directors and producers imaginations to run riot. For me one of the most enjoyable numbers of the evening was “A British Tar” sung by Ralph, The Boatswain’s Mate (George Alexander), The Carpenter’s Mate (Willie Campbell) and the chorus of sailors.

For me this was an enjoyable production but the singing and musical numbers far outshone the direction and choreography which for me was lacking that something special.