Show: HMS Pinafore
Society: Erewash Musical Society
Venue: No venue information available
Credits: Music by Arthur Sullivan and a libretto by W. S. Gilbert
Type: Independent (registered user)
Performance Date: 20/09/2008
H.M.S. Pinafore
Paul Johnson | 04 Jan 2013 22:15pm
Production
Very good use of the limited stage space and facilities available with plenty of movement, good interesting groupings and well organised.
As previously there was smooth blending between normal stage movement and dance throughout, maintaining the standards now expected from this company.
Loved the use of the sailors in the overture, that came over very well and set the scene for what followed
Overall the production came over as very well thought out, well prepared and well rehearsed.
Music
As usual the music side came over very well with good tempo and interpretation creating the right musical atmosphere and with the stage and pit working well together. Good singing throughout with fine contrasts and excellent part-singing in the small ensembles.
Cast
A fine set of principals who established and maintained their individual characters while working well together. Kevin and Dan in particular put in excellent performances, strongly supported by Giles, Heather and Robert. Charlotte and Gemma made very promising debuts which bode well for future principal work. (perhaps a little work on diction?)
Very good chorus work vocally and with stage movement.
Dance
The high standards set in previous years were certainly maintained. Excellent choreography and dance with the sailors taking on most of the work and how well they did it, there cannot be many societies who could manage that! Once again there was good use of the available stage space and good use of the mix of abilities, all blending in beautifully. Full marks for the opening routines in the overture.
Costumes.
Fine costumes with good attention to detail and colour. The red, white and blue dresses of the Sisters, Cousins and Aunts worked very well, particularly in the groupings for the “Englishman” ensemble.Lighting and Sound
The lighting was fine, effective and used well. The sound levels were also well balanced between stage and pit and there were no problems with diologue,
Set
A fine set, effective and used well. The backcloth used in act 1 was very striking.
Overall.
Another excellent show which all should be proud to be associated with. The show came over as a well integrated team effort from all parts of the company, production, acting and technical, with talent showing at all levels.
- : user
- : 20/09/2008