A bright and lively production by Nora Howcroft who came up with several new twists such as the Tardis styled police box, for the policemen (women) to disappear into, along with the Major Generals hot dog stand aptly named 'Stanelli's'.
Scenery was to a very high standard with a glitzy pirate boat, which really should have 'sailed with the tide' as the daughters approached, as well as an impressive ruined chapel.
Steve Benson cut a fine figure as the Pirate King making the most of all aspects of the part whilst David Griffiths, as the gullible Frederick, might have made a little more of 'Stop ladies pray' but nontheless made a good foil for the Pirate King. David Witt was in good form in the cameo role of the Sergeant of Police whilst Bill Steel gave a fine all round performance as the Major General.
Although slightly under par in this vocally demanding role Adrienne Wormald has an excellent stage presence and was a delight to watch as Mabel whilst lrene Lunt was quite good as Ruth without being totally in command of the character.
The daughters, led by Vicki Wilson, Jane Bickerstaffe and Helen Popplewell, were a lively, boisterous bunch which added a further dimension to the production. There was also a fine body of policewomen to enhance the proceedings and whilst vocally the company was generally up to the mark the chorus/ orchestra did lose contact on occasions. A thoroughly entertaining evening which certainly went with a swing.
