Can a classic Victorian satire still make us laugh in the 21st century? English National Opera (ENO) boldly answers with a resounding "yes!" in their uproarious production of HMS Pinafore. But this isn't your grandmother's Gilbert and Sullivan. This staging dives headfirst into cheeky humor, proving that some jokes, like catchy melodies, are timeless.
The original HMS Pinafore, premiering in 1878, was a sharp jab at the First Lord of the Admiralty, WH Smith. Imagine a politician with zero naval experience suddenly in charge of the entire British fleet – that was Smith! He, much like Gilbert's fictional Sir Joseph Porter, had climbed the greasy pole of politics, leading to much public amusement. While Smith is now primarily remembered for a chain of newsagents, ENO's production cleverly shifts its satirical sights, finding fresh targets for its comedic cannonballs.
Cal McCrystal's 2021 staging, revisited here, doesn't just dust off the old score; it revitalizes it. Think of it as a love letter to the sly, subversive humor of Victorian music halls, where, as Gilbert wrote, love truly did "level all ranks." But here's where it gets controversial... McCrystal, along with Toby Davies, adds a generous dollop of 1970s British comedy, particularly the iconic Carry On films. This fusion creates a unique comedic cocktail that some purists might find sacrilegious, but others will find side-splittingly funny. Is it a brilliant update or comedic overkill? Let us know what you think in the comments!
The production cleverly introduces a new layer of meta-theatrical fun with a prologue expertly delivered by John Savournin. Seems an arts exchange program has sent an ENO chorus member to film a travelogue with Michael Portillo (a British television personality), while the fabulous Mel Giedroyc, of Bake Off fame, steps into her shoes. In a nod to classic comedy duos like Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, Giedroyc hilariously juggles two roles, often with minimal rehearsal. This 'fish out of water' scenario provides ample opportunities for comedic gold. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about the jokes; it's about the playful commentary on the very nature of performance and the sometimes-absurd world of opera itself.
The set and costumes, brilliantly designed by Takis and lit by Tim Mitchell, respectively, could easily have been plucked from a D'Oyly Carte Opera Company production (known for their traditional Gilbert and Sullivan stagings). But McCrystal's relentless physical comedy and the cast's willingness to embrace the absurdity brings the show roaring into the 21st century. Brace yourselves for a barrage of double entendres – from poop decks and bulwarks to mermaid's love pockets and stiff ones. At one point, a bespectacled sailor, channeling the spirit of Charles Hawtrey, emerges from below deck to announce he's just finished reading Three Men in a Boat. Not every joke lands perfectly (comedy is subjective, after all!), but the hit rate is remarkably high.
The cast is exceptionally strong. Neal Davies shines as Sir Joseph, a delightfully louche character who struggles with his Rs (resulting in plenty of jokes about his "wank"). Savournin's Capt Corcoran forms a charming partnership with Rhonda Browne's matronly Buttercup. Henna Mun's Josephine is perfectly pert, providing an ideal contrast to Thomas Atkins' muscular, floppy-haired Ralph. Trevor Eliot Bowes delivers a deliciously hammy Dick Deadeye (cue the inevitable… well, you can imagine). And Giedroyc? She's an anarchic force of nature, injecting infectious energy into every scene.
Matthew Kofi Waldren conducts the score with gusto, and the ENO chorus is in top form, tackling Lizzi Gee's gleeful choreography with impressive skill. When everything clicks, as in the show-stopping company hornpipe, this gloriously daffy HMS Pinafore is a genuine crowd-pleaser. But is this updated version too much? Does the addition of modern humor enhance or detract from the original satire? And is it right to poke fun at classic art forms? We want to know what you think! Share your opinions in the comments below.
