h.m.s pinafore
by gilbert & sullivan

Winner of Best Opera Production at the 2020 Offies!

'Savournin’s staging is a winning blend of Benny Hill knockabout, operatic parody and music hall song-and-dance.'- Evening Standard 

The earliest enduring success of Gilbert and Sullivan’s famous collaboration, H.M.S Pinafore is a firm favourite with audiences. Gilbert uses the strictly hierarchical society of life on board the H.M.S. Pinafore to satirise the rigidity of the British Class system, in this topsy-turvy tale of love levelling all ranks.

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 H.M.S Pinafore to satirise the rigidity of the British Class system.
 
With many well known songs, including ‘I am the Monarch of the sea’, ‘I’m called little Buttercup’ and ‘He is an Englishman’, this production promises 90 minutes of rollicking choruses and tender tunes imbued with the unique wit and infectious energy of a CCO production, to be enjoyed by all ages.

Creatives

John Savournin
Director 

David Eaton
Musical Director

Damian Czarnecki
Choreographer

​Rachel Szmukler
Set Designer

REVIEWS FOR H.M.S PINAFORE

★★★★★ '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

★★★★ '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​