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For the first time since 1920, when Whitley Bay Operatic Society produced The Mikado, a Savoy opera is being presented in Whitley Bay this week. And an extremely commendable effort it is, by members of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Monkseaton. The choice is H.M.S. Pinafore.
Not only has this group shown courage in aiming so high. It has had to overcome a big difficulty in that the Rev. Alfred Webb, prepared to play the main role of Ralph Rackstraw, fell ill at the last minute and was replaced by Wilfred Parker, who played the part at Wallsend a few years ago. He was given such short notice that he was unable to have any rehearsal with the cast at all. Yet he fitted in almost expertly.
SMALL STAGE
The handicap of a small stage did not deter the company, and under the direction of Hugh Sykes, who had never produced anything in the musical line before, they went ahead to win acclamation from a packed house. Special applause was given to Bert Bright, who although suffering from a heavy cold, refused to add himself to the casualty list, and in the part of Capt. Corcoran proved himself a fine baritone.
GOOD SINGERS
Wilfred Parker proved to be a great asset with his rendering of Ralph's songs while Doreen Rigby, as Josephine, won the hearts of all with her dear soprano voice.
The group have a good comedian in John Jackson, who was everything one could wish for as Sir Joseph Porter K.C.B., First Lord of the Admiralty. He kept the condescending air of the "great man" throughout and brought in just the right touch of the ridiculous.
Irene Cummergen was the perfect Little Buttercup, and Ken Stride had the audience hating his crippled, Ugly Dick Deadeye.
Producer Hugh Sykes was BillBobstay, the Bo'suns's Mate, and Edward Rigby, Bob Beckett, the Carpenter's Mate.
[Chorus listing followed]
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