LOpSoc’s production of HMS Pinafore was a thoroughly enjoyable, skillful and often amusing performance of this musical classic.
The band performed the music to a great standard and the choruses brought the right mood to each of the scenes and musical numbers. It couldn’t have been easy to pull off a somewhat more relaxed production that gets across the comical nature of the play, but LOpSoc succeeded very well.
The sailors of HMS Pinafore. Photo Credit: David Aggus
The musical score to the play has quite a strong nautical twist, which the band pulled off well throughout the play, quite an achievement considering how much of the musical was made of songs.
There were comparatively few spoken scenes, and it reflects well on the band that they were able to keep the solid performance up the whole way through.
Sir Joseph Porter and Cousin Hebe, played by Owen Perring and Alex Blelloch. Photo Credit: David Aggus
Undoubtedly the best aspect of the production were the choruses. Both the sailors of HMS Pinafore and the doting yet overbearing sisters, cousins and aunts of Sir Joseph Porter gave the play much of the comical value as well as the more conventional singing.
It would have been easy for the choruses to have been rather passive, only singing along with the songs and pad out the stage a little. Not here. The chorus of sailors were never idle, always responding amongst themselves to whatever was happening in the scene.
The sisters, cousins and aunts followed Sir Joseph around, doting on him but also bearing over him and helping to present the image of the buffoon who is firmly under the thumb of his female relations.
Ralph Rackstraw and Josephine, played by Tom Hudson and Jenny Riggs. Photo Credit: David Aggus
The main cast was excellent, in particular the partnering of Sir Joseph with Cousin Hebe, who played the bickering relationship very well. The Captain was particularly good in portraying both sides of the doting father and the strict but well respected captain, often concurrently.
The Sisters, Cousins and Aunts of Sir Joseph. Photo Credit: David Aggus
One aspect to improve upon is that the choruses were rather large for the set and when the entire cast and chorus were on stage, it could be quite crowded and difficult to see what was going on.
Photo Credit: David Aggus
Overall, this is one of the best musicals I have seen for a long time. The balance of music and humour was spot on.
Did you see LOpSoc’s performance of HMS Pinafore? Tell us what you thought in the comments.
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I gather you didn’t see Showstopper’s performances of ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’, both of which included some of the most professional and talented performances the University has seen in a while? And to add, they didn’t even achieve five stars. In fact, the only Showstoppers show that has achieved five star this year was ‘Spelling Bee’ which was astronomical in comparison to this. Do me a favour and please don’t go into the theatre industry when you’re older, or shows comparible to the likes of ‘Viva Forever’ better known as The ‘Spice Girls’ musical, will be getting ratings that put ‘The Lion King’ out of business.
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This is just the reviewers opinion for a student publication. If you feel more criticism is necessary I would advise you to ask for it in a more civilised manner that doesn’t a) insult the writer or b) insult the show he is reviewing. While the shows you mention were to a very high standard, bringing them up here just appears whiney and derogatory towards the show reviewed.
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I wonder which society you’re from…
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Reviews are not for competition between various performing societies, but are instead a fundamental part of the creative dramatic process. It saddens me that your put so much importance on stars and would try to dis-encourage a writer from watching the arts. I think it is remarkable that Tom has possibly seen his first G&S and been blown away, it is not only a testament to LopSoc’s skill but also to the enduring popularity of G&S and its ability to still entertain today.
Please do not be naive and think you can even remotely compare the star ratings or reviews from a student journal between different artistic mediums, the yard stick is different for each piece and you should not seek to compare measurements.
You [redacted].
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No show in the Annex has ever been ‘astronomical’, so please, totally anonymous Showstopper – get over yourself.
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“The musical was made of songs” – ????? Soton Tab
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We love you too Josh
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Its an operetta. Of course it is mainly music…
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I’ve enjoyed all the PA shows this year! Be it Showstoppers, LOpSoc or TG, the PA are at the top of their game. Well done everyone that’s been involved with all the shows this year!
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As a Showstopper myself, this comment doesn’t represent the support we have for LopSoc’s shows. I saw Pinafore and although I wouldn’t have given it 5 myself, the reviewer is entitled to his own opinion, as is everyone, so lets respect that. Besides, people must remember that LopSoc still have 2 more performances to go, so lets not spoil them! Congratulations guys for the great review, and break a leg in the performances to come!!
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I had hoped that all the bickering between the PA societies was a thing of the past. There are amazing people in ALL of the societies (and apparently some stinkers in all of them too). For someone to outright say that a show shouldn’t receive 5 stars, because their show didn’t?
Well that’s just jealousy. And let’s be honest. Jealousy isn’t attractive. It looks like the cast of Pinafore worked really hard and I’m sure they deserve this review. Well done LOpSoc. I hope your last performance goes just as smashingly.
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Most bickering has gone. Sadly there are still a couple of nasty, petty people.
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