• HOME
• ABOUT US
• SHOWS
• MEMBERSHIP
• CONTACT US

NODA North West Magazine

PIRATES OF PENZANCE (1995)

Macclesfield Majestic Theatre

Director: Frank Walker
Musical Director: Heather Hayes-Wilson
Movement Coach: Angela McIntyre

This was a presentation with director Frank Walker firmly putting his style and stamp on the production by his imaginative groupings and the physical demands he extracted from his cast.

There were one or two gremlins. "Why is it," shrieks the distraught production team, "that the new sound system (introduced that very Wednesday morning) should be untried the evening the Regional Rep appears?" BECAUSE all the cast were working during the day!!

The decibels simmered down after a short period and order reigned once again. This did not spoil the visual effects one whit or the nicely tempered orchestra. the very large cast, particularly of daughters ("What a model of a Major-General?" one asks), never appeared to crowd the stage as pictures and patterns resolved themselves.

It was obvious the cast more than enjoyed participating in this production: Claire Mannion (Isabel), Louise McIntyre (Kate), Helen Brady (Edith) and a terpsichorean Samuel, Kevin Clarke.

Duncan Trew as the Sergeant led a droll posse of policemen and still managed most of one of his numbers on one leg. True! Mike Raymond gave us a strongly sung Major-General. No ditherer he, but one on whom the Empire's sun never sets. Deirdre Rogers was a convincing Ruth, well sung and diction as clear as a bell. Alison Gorton was a pretty, very young, diminutive Mabel of promise. She is inexperience and has not yet mastered her breath and diaphragm to control her pitch. She had, however, some amazing high notes. Stephen Clayton was halfway to the part with his appearance and acting ability as a dashing Frederic, though I personally felt his type of voice less successful vocally for this particular role. The role of Pirate King was played with great verve by Richard Cornish. His Act II 'Come Men Who Plough the Sea', together with a superb men's chorus was a highlight, both vocally and technically, deservedly receiving a huge ovation. Sorry, men!

10 out of 10, Macclesfield MTG for publishing a photograph of ALL the production team, stage crew, lighting, sound, wardrobe, make-up, ices, chocolates, etc. etc. No, I'm not being facetious. If it wasn't for all the entrepreneurs back and front of house, admittedly some tasks are more demanding or back-breaking than others, there would be NO show, or play, or whatever.

Many who tread the boards for one week forget, and overlook, this VITAL fact. So, chip away there, all you unsung heroes and heroines. A lot of people appreciate you more than you think.