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parkerjane39
Reviews
Cats (2019)
Cats whiskers
Firstly, I love Cats the stage musical, love all the songs, so maybe I am a bit biased. Also I like to make my own mind up and not just follow what some critic says. I really loved this film, the CGI furry faces were fine by me, and the settings great, all seen from a cats perspective.
Robbie Fairchild was a great Munkastrap, leading no only Victoria but us as well through the lives, of the Jellicles, and what a mixed bunch they are, naughty Mungojerry and Rumpleteezer, pompous Bustopher Jones, sweet Mistofeles and the amazing flying feet of Skimbleshanks, not to mention Gus and Old Deutaronomy. Loved them all. Just one question... why on earth was Ray Winstone, playing himself, for two minutes given higher rating than other much more deserving artistes?
H.M.S. Pinafore (1997)
not for purists.
Having already enjoyed Essgee's version of 'Tne Pirates', I came this production open minded and ready to be entertained. And was not disappointed. O.K it's not for G&S purists, but then Doyle Carte production can be a little (whisper it) boring. This was anything but. Great fun from the rollicking opening, with fantastic dancing from the chorus,to the irreverent and different ending. Jon English as the promoted 'Dick dead eye' kept the action moving at a fast pace, no time to think of the daft plot. I enjoyed all the performances.The Sister, cousin and Aunt, made a refreshing change from the usual ladies chorus. Drew Forsythe was a very funny and camp'Sir Joseph', David Gould warmed to the part of 'Captain Corcoran', not surprising as 'little Buttercup' in the hands of Amanda Muggleton, was far from the usual rotund Bumboat woman. Josephine and her Ralph, played by Helen Donaldson and Simon Gallaher, made a lovely couple, their singing a high point of this production.I have no gripe with using songs from other G&S shows.(W.S Gilbert was known to do the same when it suited). I am very glad I bought the DVD.
The Pirates of Penzance (1994)
a tongue in cheek joy.
I caught up with this wonderful production via Sky arts, a few months ago and simply had to buy the DVD. what a joy.Played , I am sure with tongue very firmly in cheek. Such energy and enthusiasm from all the cast.Jon English, has spoilt the role of 'Pirate King' for me, I just cannot see anyone doing it better, and I love the purple pants. His interaction with the audience was spot on and very funny. The Major General played by Derek Metzger,was excellent, with brilliant comic timing,and I could hear every word in his patter song! Tim Tyler, as the 'Police Sergeant', had to be seen to be believed, surely he was made of rubber, and not a bad singing voice. 'Ruth', as played by Toni Lamont, the only cast member with a strong Australian accent, was very sympathetic, I felt for her, and would have given Frederic more that a bash on the backside. I even enjoyed her corpsing in Act II.The chorus of daughters, were very funny, almost but not quite upstaging the principals. 'Mabel', Helen Donaldson, looked as fragile as a China doll, with a beautiful soprano voice, trilling away in 'Poor wandering one'. Simon Gallaher as 'Frederic' was simply superb, a wonderful tenor voice with amazing breath control, how long was that note!!(he also produced the show.) My granddaughters of Ten and Seven,also adore this show and demand to view it at every visit, not bad for good old G&S.