Published: 09 September 2010
by JOSH LOEB

THERE were cheers and a standing ovation at the end of a rumbustious HMS Pinafore at the Rosemary Branch Theatre near Angel last Wednesday.

Professional touring group Charles Court Opera,  whose previous well-received productions have included The Mikado and Iolanthe, have proved they are masters at bringing Gilbert and Sullivan to small spaces. This opera, which pokes fun at the English upper classes, deals with enduring issues of snobbery and top people given exalted jobs for which they have no experience. 

The gentlemanly captain of the Pinafore (John Savourin), who claims that he would never swear at his crew, does not know that his daughter has fallen in love with a common sailor. Meanwhile, the captain has arranged for her to marry the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter, played by Simon Masterton-Smith. Sir Joseph himself has risen from humble beginnings to gain his office by political acumen, despite having never gone to sea. 

John Savourin, ideal as a typically English captain, is also the show’s director. Simon Masterton-Smith was suitably bombastic as Sir Joseph and Georgina Ginsberg was a charming Josephine. 

• Until September 18. 7.30pm (mats 3.30pm). Tickets £12 and £15. Contact 020 770 46665.