When an ordinary seaman falls for his captain’s daughter, whom the captain would like to marry to the admiral of the fleet, there are obviously going to be problems. Gilbert and Sullivan with their usual very clever words and wonderful catchy music use this simple story to poke fun at the English class system, at patriotism, nepotism and pomposity as well as gently mocking high opera. Using an all male cast in this enormously slick and inventive production emphasises G&S’s initial idea.

I could find nothing in the programme about why Sasha Regan has decided to use an all male cast and, initially, as the audience laughed at the camp depiction of the actors playing women I was uncomfortable, as echoes of Benny Hill and Dick Emery rang in my brain. But as the show progressed the actors brought a reality and bathos to their performances, which seemed to add to the injustices and the ridiculousness of the society portrayed.

This is a young, good looking and muscular cast and Lizzie Gee’s choreography is superbly inventive, funny and imaginative. I realised I was watching an all male navy production of a show, perhaps put on in the Second World War with its quirkiness and wit and simple scenery. It was not so much about gender fluidity but about constraints. I am never impressed by low budget productions. What never? Well hardly ever. This is a very impressive production.

The simple touring set and costumes with one piano accompaniment played with vigour and panache by Richard Bates, who has done a splendid job with the singing and setting of all the music, easily converted from scene to scene giving a pace and flare to the whole production. For example in “Carefully on tiptoe stealing” the six iron bunk beds which superbly portray the inside of a ship are imaginatively used as the escape route for the lovers. This and other small theatrical tricks show the skill and imagination of the director and emphasise the fun of the show.

The whole cast were very good but Tom Senior as Ralph was deliciously smouldering as the lowly tar. Ben Irish and David McKechnie were each very different in their women’s roles emphasising contrasting aspects of men playing women. Michael Burgen brought a splendid ridiculousness to his role of Sir Joseph Porter KCB.   Hats off also to the designer Ryan Dawson Laight.

Stalwart G&S fans, as well as newcomers to the genre, will enjoy this production. A splendid evening out!     ★★★★★    Keith Erskine  2md June 2016

Photo by Roy Tan