ACT Reviews 2022-2023 Season

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Director: Seb Lassandro Musical Director John Barry North Manchester A.O. & D. S. Gilbert and Sullivan’s Jolly Roger and the Union Jack flew over the NWTAC Theatre. On stage was a handsome set designed and constructed by the society. It consisted of Act 1 a rocky Cornish sea-shore complete with a pirate schooner and Act 2, a ruined chapel by moonlight. Lighting was good (besides one or two odd lighting cues) and brought W.S. Gilbert’s nautical “Topsy-Turvy” world alive. The costume plot, along with make-up, made our picture book heroes and heroines recognisable.

Direction was traditional allowing the words and music to do their job. I particularly liked female pirates disguised as men, (historically this actually did happen). Staging was good although maybe the ladies centre stage hub was a little overused. The men, whether pirates or policeman,