Pirates of Penzance is a light-hearted way to spend a summer’s evening, full of amusing songs, and excellent singing.  The production opens with an energetic overture giving the audience an idea of the tone of the play.

This performance is from the D’Oyly Carte company, which has long-standing connections with Gilbert & Sullivan productions, in conjunction with the Scottish Opera. The professionalism and staging of the play is evident throughout the production.

The setting adds to the comedy delightfully - including a wooden seagull, and the deck of a ship (shown to be tilting in the waves by the performers all staggering one way or the other). The storyline - of a pirate apprentice, now free on the shore, and falling in love with a young girl called Mabel is whimsical and full of silliness. Adding in a surprisingly soft-hearted pirate crew, some incredibly inept policeman and, of course, a modern Major General creates a farcical, fantastically funny production.

I particularly enjoyed the singing from the actor playing Mabel, Rebecca Bottone. Her voice was really exceptional, had an impressive range and she was absolutely brilliant throughout the performance.

Other excellent performances included that of the Sergeant of Police (Graeme Broadbent) whose depiction of a nervous, slightly cowardly policeman was completely hilarious.  Ruth, Frederic pirate’s old nanny, (played by Rosie Aldridge) was also excellent as she declared her love for him in a particularly funny song in the first act.

Particularly memorable songs included 'The Policeman’s Lot' in the second act and the well-known 'Model of a Major General' song in the first. The songs are witty, catchy and very, very amusing.

The excellent orchestra was conducted by John Owen Edwards, and showed considerable skill throughout the performance. Overall, an amusing, light-hearted performance, full of comedy and blended with fabulous musical performances.