Welcome on board HMS Pinafore, flagship of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy - the perfect place to mock such stalwart institutions as Government, patriotism and even the Great British Class system! No wonder Queen Victoria said of the original production in 1878: “We are NOT amused!” Josephine, the captain’s daughter, is in love with Ralph, a common sailor. But her social-climbing father insists that she is to marry Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty – whose roving eye has already noticed her. The young lovers are caught as they elope from the ship and Ralph is locked in the ship’s dungeon. Can revelations made by Buttercup, the dockside vendor, enable everyone to marry their true hearts’ loves?
This timeless comic opera, performed by a cast of 6 outstanding performers on a spectacular nautical set in the grounds of Walmer Castle and Garden, using Sullivan’s full score, is full to the gunwales with sharp dialogue and catchy tunes.
Performance starts at 7pm, doors open 6.15pm.