Of the five productions I have seen of "The Pirates of Penzance," two of them being high school productions, this is the worst. Most of the actors simply dash off their lines without any expression whatever. Keith Mitchell in the role of the Major-General is an exception, I thoroughly enjoyed his performance, and Gillian Knight as Ruth was an absolute delight. I did not enjoy Alexander Oliver as Frederic. He seemed bored with the character. The Pirate King, played by Peter Allen, was passable, but not exceptional. The chorus of women was excellent, but the men were mediocre. I would recommend the 1985 version done by the Stratford Company or even the ridiculous 1980 TV move over this production.
Review of The Pirates of Penzance
