Gilbert and Sullivan’s famous operetta, The Pirates of Penzance, is due to take centre stage at a leading independent school – with the help of a life size robotic parrot, ships rigging and a policeman’s truncheon.
The 30 Year 7 pupils from Queen Mary’s School, Baldersby Park, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire are busy rehearsing for the production which will take place in the school’s Great Hall on Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th May. Queen Mary's is a day and boarding school, co-educational for children from 2 – 7 years and for girls only through to 16 years.
Miss Anthea Shepherdson, Director, said: “This is something of a departure for us as we haven’t tackled comedy before, and the girls are really enjoying bringing the Victorian fun and comic lines alive. We have super singers, who have both strength and depth, so that is a great asset in coping with the complexity of the songs. As well as the solos, the chorus work is particularly demanding. Lots of energy is needed, though I fear we may all be upstaged by Charlotte Holden’s talking parrot!”
The parrot – nicknamed Peter – belongs to the 13 year old pupil, who plays one of the pirates. “He’s wonderful,” said Miss Shepherdson. “And his wolf whistle certainly carries!” Charlotte is from Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon.
The lead role of Frederic is played by Daisy Vivian, Mabel is Lily Leatham, the Major General is Annabel Guthe, the police sergeant is Romily Carnell and Cathia Cumming plays the pirate king.
The performance begins at 7pm and there will be a retiring collection for local charity.
Tickets are free and for more information please contact Tory Robeson at Queen Mary’s on 01845 575000.
Photo shows:Members of the cast of Queen Mary's School Production of The Pirates of Penzance: The Major General – Annabel Guthe, then left to right: Lily Leatham as Mabel, Cathia Cumming as the pirate king, Daisy Vivian as “Frederic” and Charlotte Holden with “Peter the Parrot”.
Thu 20th May 2010
