Venue: Hayes Theatre Co (Potts Point NSW), Feb 14 – Mar 16, 2025 | Merrigong Theatre Company (Illawarra Performing Arts Centre) March 26 – 29, 2025
Music: Arthur Sullivan
Libretto: W.S. Gilbert
Director: Richard Carroll
Cast: Trevor Jones, Jay Laga’aia, Brittanie Shipway, Maxwell Simon, Billie Palin
Images by John McCrae
Theatre review
The Pirates of Penzance debuted at the end of 1879 in New York City, telling the love story of apprentice pirate Frederic and Mabel, a daughter of the Major-General. Characteristically absurd, this Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera has been adapted for a contemporary audience by Richard Carroll, who retains the fun and frivolity of the original, with the incorporation of refreshed dialogue and updated references. The first act is a delightful romp, thoroughly and riotously funny from the very start, but Act Two sadly pales in comparison. Unable to sustain the hilarity, the show deflates even as the cast tries its mightiest to hold our attention.
Five excellent performers take the helm, with an effervescent Maxwell Simon offering earnest naivety as Frederic, in this amusingly wholesome take on a band of “tender-hearted” pirates. Brittanie Shipway is highly impressive with her vocals proving as strong as her comic timing, in the dual roles of Mabel and maid-of-all-work Ruth. Peerless charisma from Jay Laga’aia makes compelling his portrayals of the Pirate King and the Sergeant of Police. Trevor Jones delivers an unforgettable rendition of the legendary “Major-General’s Song”, and Billie Palin is admirably fastidious with all the supporting parts she dutifully takes on.
Set design by Nick Fry is polished and attractive, with efficient use of space allowing for energy to pervade the entire stage. Lights are a wonderful feature, created by Jasmine Rizk to deliver sumptuous colour and dimension, for imagery that seems to be constantly evolving. Also noteworthy is choreography by Shannon Burns, providing endless physical configurations for further visual delight. The Pirates of Penzance is indeed often enchanting, and a welcome diversion for those who have ever longed to escape to the high seas.
Suzy Goes See 