HMS PINAFORE 
1oth april - 11th may 2019
at the king's head theatre, london

We are delighted to be returning to the King's Head Theatre with our fresh take on HMS Pinafore, the earliest enduring success of Gilbert and Sullivan’s famous collaboration which remains a firm favourite with audiences. It contains some of Sullivan’s sunniest music and tells the story of Josephine the Captain’s daughter and her love for a lowly sailor Ralph Rackstraw, despite being promised in marriage to the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter. Gilbert uses the strictly hierarchical society of life on board the HMS Pinafore to satirise the rigidity of the British Class system.
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With many well – known songs including ‘I am the Monarch of the sea’ ‘I’m called little Buttercup’ and ‘He is an Englishman’. This brand new production promises an evening of rollicking choruses and tender tunes imbued with the unique wit and infectious energy of a CCO production to be enjoyed by all ages. ​
REVIEWS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'an irresistible staging' - The Stage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'an extremely high standard... a highly entertaining two hour show' - LondonTheatre1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Hilarious, pocket-sized and joke-packed updating of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta proves class and snobbery are never out of fashion' - Culture Whisper
'Savournin’s staging is a winning blend of Benny Hill knockabout, operatic parody and music hall song-and-dance.'- Evening Standard 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'There’s a bounce and bit of mischief running through this colourful production that makes it impossible not to love.'- The Reviews Hub
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Fun and farcical' - North West End
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'an amusing and enticing evening' - Spy in the Stalls 
'It sparkles with wit and joy, and I defy anyone to not leave with smile on their face.' - Opera for all 
'Never has Gilbert and Sullivan been more groovy... It absolutely rocked.'- My Theatre Mates 
'...the delight of hearing this cream of the crop show in such an intimate environment is not to be underestimated.' - Life in the Cheap Seats
CAST
The Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, KCB                              JOSEPH SHOVELTON
Captain Corcoran                                                              MATTHEW PALMER (dates: w/c 8th April, 15th April, 29th April)
Captain Corocran                                                              MATTHEW SIVETER  (dates: w/c 22nd April & 6th May)
Ralph Rackstraw                                                               PHILIP LEE
Dick Deadeye                                                                     MATTHEW KELLETT
Bobstay                                                                               HANNAH CRERAR 
Josephine                                                                           ALYS ROBERTS
Cousin Hebe                                                                      CATRINE KIRKMAN 
Mrs Cripps (Little Buttercup)/ Sir Joseph’s Sister      JENNIE JACOBS 

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director / CCO Artistic Director                                     JOHN SAVOURNIN
​CCO Musical Director                                                      DAVID EATON
Set & Costume Designer                                                 RACHEL SZMUKLER
Choreographer                                                                  DAMIAN CZAMECKI
Lighting Designer .                                                           IAN WILSON
Stage Manager                                                                 ANUSKA ZAREMBA - PIKE