A policeman’s lot is not a happy one
Senior School production: Pirates of Penzance
This year’s senior production of The Pirates of Penzance played four times in late November to over 1000 people. It was a most joyful and successful production, ideally combining the talents and skills of the School community of pupils, parents and staff.
The piece itself is full of classic Gilbert and Sullivan humour and wordplay, and contains many of the traditional and loyal messages of the Victorian era. The over-generous and gentle pirates, led by their magnificent king Tom Gaisford, struggled to commit the violent crimes that were expected of them. Frederic, the newly-freed apprentice, struggled with his loyalties: Jon Schranz was a clever, funny male lead who blended his impressive voice with the beautiful range and power of Lucy Bray as Mabel. The role of Ruth was brilliantly shared over the different performances between the accomplished Alice Tolson and Emily Kirk.
Two Lower Sixth actors stole the show: the remarkable Tyler Rainford as the Sergeant of Police and the loquacious Henry Cowling as Major-General Stanley. They were splendidly supported by the pirates, led by Freddie Crowley and Jack Goldsworthy, the noble if slightly cowardly police force led by Jack Wride, and the Major-General’s twelve daughters. Underpinned by their sense of teamwork and their excellent choral singing, the action ranged from romps to moments of great lyrical beauty.
The highly professional band assembled and conducted by Mrs Rachel Mitchell played with panache throughout: it featured various members of the Music Department, other staff colleagues and three pupils. Miss Tessa Lothingland’s slick and inventive choreography lent pace and visual impact to the action.
The excellent set was put together by Mrs Rebecca Smith, Mr Martin Neal, Mr John Mason, Mrs Jenny Mellings, Aja Garrod-Prance and Jo McGarry-Hunt, who also stage-managed very effectively. Governor Mrs Michelle Giles and her team dressed the cast with their customary industry and imagination. A large team of girls under Mrs Annette Goswell’s guidance provided expressive make-up. The technical crew and sound desk under Sam Colson did their tricky job to perfection. The maintenance crew under Mr Craig Stewart and Mr Tony Coombe, who is shortly to retire after over 20 years’ sterling service, ensured as always the speedy transformation of the school hall to theatre auditorium and back again.
None of the success of the show would have been possible without the outstanding direction and production of Mr Andrzej Chrupek and Mrs Stephanie Chrupek, and the splendid musical direction provided by Mrs Mitchell. They all enabled the cast and crew to achieve such a memorable standard; their energy and talent conjured the best from everyone and brought great joy to the School.
Warmest thanks and congratulations to all who were involved in this wonderful production.
