ED2015 5/5 Reviews ED2015 Musical Reviews

HMS Pinafore (Edinburgh International Festival)

By | Published on Wednesday 26 August 2015

HMS Pinafore

It’s all very well to say the right thing, but would you let your daughter marry one? This dilemma is explored mercilessly by Gilbert and Sullivan, in their operetta sending up the English class system using the navy as their vehicle. Wittily narrated by Tim Brooke Taylor, this hilarious piece was sung and acted wonderfully; although frothily accessible, the music is operatic in style and ambition. Conductor Richard Egarr created much more than a concert performance here. Simply using hats and good humour, the performers made a more convincing British navy than if they’d relied on scenery and costumes. The Scottish Opera orchestra and chorus excelled themselves, and the soloists were stars – each made a dazzling impression, no matter the size of their role.

Usher Hall, 23 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Louise Rodgers]



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