REVIEW by Lisa M Capener      

HMS PINAFORE: Glitter and Twisted Theatre Company

Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud

April 1 2017

AS SOMEONE who doesn’t like Gilbert and Sullivan, let’s just say I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this production.

How wrong I was, even for someone who doesn’t like G & S, this touching story of heartache and love, would and could appeal to anyone with some beautiful performances and music throughout.

The Playhouse theatre in Stroud is a beautifully intimate theatre, that leaves no space for anybody who doesn’t know the lines or words inside out, which sadly on occasion some members of the cast didn’t quite start/finish singing at the same time as everyone else, though this was rare and overall the big company songs were seamless, with beautiful melodies and crystal clear harmonies.

Glitter & Twisted performers made full use of the auditorium, using it to perform quite literally next to audience members and sometimes it was hard not to feel like you are part of the production.

This was a great use of space and worked well with the production itself.

I also feel it helped add energy to the musical though the actors did brilliantly keeping up the energy and pace throughout the show.

The opening was a highlight for me with all the sailors (who were dressed impeccably) bursting through the doors at the back of the auditorium, running down stairs and onto the stage with Tom Mullins leading them brilliantly throughout.

The group of sailors did extremely well, and I cannot emphasize how much energy they brought which without the show would not have been as good.

Moments within the show that stood out for me were Jonathan Barons silkily smooth voice that seemed to take some members of audience by surprise, judging from their reactions.

His voice was simply beautiful, and he effortlessly portrayed a range of emotions very well.

Grace Hawker held the audience in the palm of her hand whilst singing with her unique outstanding voice.

I particularly enjoyed watching her towards the end of the show when she let a go a bit, and seemed more natural on stage, you could see the enjoyment on her face and more of a range of emotions than she had let us see previously.

Sadly, one criticism I have is that occasionally the cast could have projected and worked a little harder at their pronunciation, as occasionally whilst singing the words were lost and myself and my partner only caught odd words.

Though I have to say this was rare, on the whole all cast did an excellent job under the clearly capable Suzanne Barnes, who was Musical Director and played the piano beautifully throughout the show.

If you hate or love Gilbert and Sullivan or have never even heard of them, it does not matter, support local people and get down to see some brilliant performances and prepare to be moved by this fabulous production.

  • HMS Pinafore is at Cotswold Playhouse until April 9. Visit glittertwisted.com for ticket information.