The Pirates of Penzance, London Coliseum ****

My first Gilbert and Sullivan could not more different from the typical am-dram production but a Mike Leigh production at the ENO. The first thing to note is that I have never laughed so hard at the Coliseum. This satire on the British hierarchy takes the form of an operetta about a group of pirates who wreak havoc in Penzance (unless you're an orphan or weaker than them). The libretto pokes fun at the respect given to nobility and the useless nature of Britain's constabulary. It is clearly dated yet is still very amusing in its own way. The music is joyous and beautiful, with 'Poor Wand'ring One' being an aria that transcends the frivolous world in which this operetta is set and is sung stupendously by Claudia Boyle. She has the best part in the piece, with Mabel being the most obviously difficult yet effective role. Other parts such the policemen (Jonathan Lemalu) and Stanley (Andrew Shore) are extremely humorous whilst the Pirate King, played by Joshua Bloom, portrays a gentile nature and a gentleman. The ensemble are strong and other parts are similarly well sung. The spoken parts are well projected for the vast space of the Coliseum and the acting is surprisingly good for singers. The set is striking and effective whilst Leigh's direction captures the light-hearted humour. It is a family friendly introduction to opera and a marvellous afternoon at the theatre.