With a “beautifully” conducted score from David Parry and Alison Chitty’s “streamlined” set designs (New York Times), English National Opera’s Pirates of Penzance does make for a “jolly good show” (The Telegraph).
There was a real buzz last Saturday night at London’s Coliseum when the curtain went up on ENO’s new production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s opera. Directed by Mike Leigh and with a set designed by Alison Chitty the audience was treated to a “meticulous” (The Telegraph) evening of entertainment.
Alison Chitty’s designs were described as “trendily minimalist” (The Financial Times), “bandbox-dainty” (The Independent), “beautifully drawn” (The Times) “sophisticated” (The Observer) and “immaculate” (The Stage). The Spectator describes it visually as “a show that plays to the back of the house.”
In the pit, conductor David Parry brought to life Sullivan’s “frothy score” (bachtrack.com) and the reviews for his interpretation have been nothing short of superb:
“Using the pit-sized orchestra that Sullivan would have wanted, David Parry conducts the score beautifully.”
Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph
“David Parry’s conducting does what it can with what there is – the orchestra plays superbly for him – and the cast is a good one.”
Andrew Clements, The Guardian
“Conductor David Parry’s zippy tempi do the biz.”
Michael Church, The Independent
“David Parry also does wonders with the orchestra, reminding us just how subtle Sullivan’s textures can be.”
Barry Millington, Evening Standard
ENO’s production of The Pirates of Penzance runs until 4th July 2015. For more information and to book your tickets please click here.
