Ahoy there! Saundersfoot Footlights have been 'sailing the ocean blue' this week with their latest production, HMS Pinafore. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the company has been taking audiences on a colourful voyage of singing and dancing since the opening night of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic on Monday. HMS Pinafore has docked at the village's Regency Hall as the 29-strong cast, directed by Helen Wright, tell the tale of Ralph Rakestraw, a lowly sailor who is in love with the Captain's daughter, Josephine. Paul Fifield makes his debut with Footlights and stars as the humble navy man, while Miranda Rhys- Davies treads the decks as the delightful Josephine. However, it is not all plain sailing for them aboard the magnificently created ship which has transformed the Regency Hall, and there is a twist to the tale. Buttercup (played by another newcomer Kate Wright) has a secret to confess as just like the song says 'Things are seldom what they seem'. Fortunately, though, it all ends happily ever afterwards, with not just one, but in fact three weddings! Gordon Collins certainly deserves 'three cheers' as Captain Corcoran, while Steve Butler plays first lord of the admiralty who, although ruling the Queen's Navy, has never actually been to sea! Roger Leese revels in his role as the unpopular Dick Deadeye, while other cast members include Andrea Thomas as Hebe, Gavin Wright as Boatswain and Richard Perrett as Carpenter. In fine voice as the chorus members were: sailors - Ben MacKenzie, Chloe Howard, Gemma Harland, Jenni Perrett, Cherie Morgan, Dave Morgan, Janina Evans, Michael Oliver. Sir Joseph's relatives - Adrian Freeman, Eunice Parkes, Hulda Wright, Sallie Griffiths, Sue Freeman, Maurice Griffiths, Cath Morgan, Gill Butler, Iris Morris, Sheila Meades, Vanessa Watkins, Christina Collinson. Of course, no production would be possible without the backstage crew: choreographer - Andrea Thomas; rehearsal pianist - Eileen Thomas; stage manager - Keith Williams; shipbuilders - Ceri Morris, Jem Bayliss, Andrew Thomas; ship's painters - Keith Williams and Kevin Watson; sound - Andrew Thomas; Followspot - Elliot Freeman; costume - Carolyn Elms and helpers; props - David and Cath Morgan; make-up - Natasha Allen and helpers; kitchen - Joyce Owen and helpers. And on top notes in the ship's orchestra were: keyboards/MD - Clive Raymond; flute - Rebecca Hills; clarinet - Sam Turton; saxophone - Suzanne Morris; piano - Eileen Thomas; bass - Dai Codd; drums - Joel Rees. HMS Pinafore still has two more performances, tonight (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday), with curtain up at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available in advance from Evans Newsagents, Saundersfoot, Reohorn Amusements, Pembroke Dock, or Janina Louise, Upper Frog Street, Tenby. A reunion is being held in October to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the society, while in December, the company will be staging the pantomime Peter Pan - oh yes they will!
CERIS HEWLINGS