Monmouth Music Theatre make a splash with HMS Pinafore

MONMOUTH Music Theatre launched onto the Savoy stage with a lively production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved comic opera HMS Pinafore.

Audiences were treated to an entertaining evening packed with memorable music, colourful characters and plenty of comedy as the cast brought the story bobbing to life.

Michael Kennedy took on the role of Ralph Rackstraw – the handsome young sailor who dares to fall in love above his station.

And Abigail Paul played Josephine – the Captain’s daughter caught between following her heart and doing what society expects of her.

Adrian Bevan took command as the ever-proud Captain Corcoran, while Dominique Walker was the wonderfully colourful and mysterious dockside vendor Little Buttercup.

Jonathan Cory-Jones played Sir Joseph Porter KCB, the First Lord of the Admiralty who knows nothing about ships, and keeping him in check was Cousin Hebe, played by Keri Russell.

David Harris took aim as Dick Deadeye, the sailor nobody wants to listen to, but who might know the uncomfortable truth, while Chris Paul played ship’s chippy Bob Beckett, and Justyn Cooper the cheery boatswain Bill Bobstay.

From the sailors and the sisters, cousins and aunts to the wonderfully larger-than-life principal characters, the production showcased the enthusiasm and talent of the whole company.

An MMT spokesperson said: “Following months of rehearsals and preparation, it was fantastic to finally welcome audiences through the doors and see the show come together on stage.

“The company received some wonderful feedback throughout the run, making all the hard work both on stage and behind the scenes worthwhile.

“Monmouth Music Theatre would like to thank everyone who came along and supported the production, as well as the cast, production team, musicians, backstage crew, front of house volunteers and everyone else who helped make HMS Pinafore possible.”

And the company is already looking forward to its next adventures with their next production of Me and My Girl in April 2027, with rehearsals this Wednesday (September 30) at Monmouth Methodist Hall at 7.30pm.