Senior School news
Pirates of Penzance» Our theatrical stars moored their ship at the Brighouse Civic Hall’s stage to perform Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance. Weeks of hard work and dedication showed as the cast gave ‘West-End stage’ performances on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th of March.
18/03/2010
The Pirates of Penzance’ follows the adventures of Frederic, a young man forced to endure a life as a pirate. Due to an unfortunate mishap that took place when Frederic was a child he is taken by the Pirate King and his band of fearsome, yet somewhat jovial and inoffensive pirates. The operetta takes the audience on a swashbuckling journey through Frederic’s attempt to free himself of the pirates’ indentures, meeting an eclectic mix of colourful characters along the way, including a foursome of conceited daughters, Police Sergeants and the infamous Major General. 
Opening Scene - The Pirates sing Pour oh pour the pirate sherry
After a dramatic musical introduction from the live Orchestra, the curtains opened to the Pirates (Remy Brown, Harrison Hirst, Rowen Johnson, Stephen Peckett, Oliver Spear, Piers Sunter, Oliver Firth, Angus Hirst, Sam Ruhkala and Callam Shaw) and Samuel (Chris Barr) singing ‘Pour, oh pour, the pirate sherry’. The pirates are celebrating our hero, Frederic’s 21st Birthday (played by Aaron Randawa). During this first scene the vocal talents of our principle parts and chorus were outstanding. Nikki Campbell (Ruth, a Pirate Maid of all Work) proved that she was worthy of her recent ‘Young Musician of the Year’ title as she sung her solo ‘When Fred’ric was a little lad’. Aaron, a member of the Boys’ choir who is studying GCSE Drama showed both vocal and acting talents throughout the performance and was especially impressive during his duet with Nikki ‘Oh! False one you have deceived me.’
Ruth tries to persuades Frederic that she is the one for him
India Shibil, the Pirate King, looked stunning in her crisp white shirt and burgundy and gold waistcoat. She proved to the audience that she is no stranger to the stage with her professional performance and outstanding voice, particularly as she performed her ‘I am a Pirate King’ solo. 
General Stanley's Daughters
General Stanley’s Daughters were next on stage in their beautiful and colourful satin dresses and straw hats. A rainbow of colour danced on stage as the girls (Aaminah Aqeel, Haleema Aqeel, Lizzie Bell, Polly Carter, Bethany Cole, Rebecca Firth, Nancy Hull, Amy Jones, Amy Myers, Katie Ormerod, Emma Parker, Abbygail Robershaw and Natalya Wilkinson) along with soloists Edith (Phoebe Smith), Kate (Rebecca Sabin) and Isabel (Cassie Walker) sang and danced to ‘Climbing over rocky mountain’. Principle daughters Phoebe, Rebecca and Cassie showed tremendous talent as they performed solo parts to ‘Stop, ladies pray’ which also had comical acting elements in as some daughters pulled other daughters away from temptation - Pirate Frederic.
Mabel makes her entrance
Katie-Faye Moorhouse as Mabel, joined the group and immediately fell in love with Frederic. Her exceptional vocal range shone throughout the performance and it was evident that Katie Faye is actively involved in performing arts in and out of school. 
General Stanley meets the Pirate King
Act one ended with the introduction of General Stanley who bursts onto stage to save his daughters from the pirates who intend to marry them. James Johnson, the only Sixth Form student of the production played this role and his singing and acting skills were first rate. 
General Stanley worries he has told a lie
Act two opened with the General and his daughters worried that the pirates would come back for them after the general told a lie to them. This act introduces us to the Police (Oliver Firth, Angus Hirst, Sam Ruhkala, Callam Shaw, Alex Feetham and Thomas Noble) who were led by Andrew Featherstone as Sergeant of Police. The police were brilliant actors who brought a humorous aspect to the show. Andrew, the youngest male principle held the audience with his fantastic acting skills and beautiful singing voice. The policemen were sent by the general to find the pirates and all showed fear in a believable way. 
Policemen
Meanwhile Frederic discovers he hasn’t finished his apprenticeship with the Pirates and has to tell Mabel he has to fulfil his duty to the pirates. The two then perform ‘Stay, Fred’ric stay’ which again highlights the duos talent for singing. 
Frederic realises he hasn't finished his apprenticeship
The two are soon reunited when the police catch up with the pirates who are swiftly arrested only to be pardoned when it is revealed by Ruth that they were once noblemen who have "gone wrong". The Major General is happy to marry his daughters to noble pirates and everyone can live happily ever after. 
The Finale
The cast then performed their fantastic finale before Dr Scarth took to the stage to thank the many people involved with the outstanding production:- the orchestra and Boys’ and Girls’ choir who were hidden from view but who made wonderful music to accompany our stars. Musical Directors Miss Free, Mr Condry and Mrs Stead who worked tirelessly teaching the cast and choirs the music and the Dramatic Directors Mrs Settle and Miss Fisher who choreographed and directed every brilliant scene. It truly was an Oscar winning performance! We look forward to the next! 
The Choir
