The Pirates of Penzance

Debut Youth Theatre

The Rose Theatre, Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh

Debut Youth Theatre seemed to have settled comfortably into their new venue, transporting us to the Cornish coast with young Frederic apprenticed to a band of kind hearted pirates, the Major General and his many daughters and the timid Sergeant of Police and his merry (wo)men.

The exuberant production was lively and fun, building on the energy of the (mainly) young cast. The action moved along at a fluid pace and there were some nicely arranged and choreographed numbers. The cast managed the sometimes tricky language with aplomb.

Jason Sly as the sole adult member of the cast made an effective eleventh hour replacement as the Major General. Tim Syed was great fun - all swagger and charm - as the Pirate King, while Thomas Woodcock stole his scenes as the wonderfully clueless Sergeant of Police. Dominic Sly (Frederic) and Caitlin Buckley (Mabel) made a charming and amusing central couple.

Karen Robson