No 41 -- Spring 1994 Edited by Michael Walters
This was a lively and colourful depiction in traditional style. There was, however, a marked slant towards making Frederic the star of the show. He was played very commendably by Iain McInnes, a tall, handsome, elegant young man with a good singing voice and likeable personality, who obviously enjoyed the week on the run-up to his "birthday" that Saturday night. The Pirate King was played with gusto by David Craig, who usually performs the principal comedian roles for the Savoy Club. His wife Celia played Ruth, the only comment I would make to an excellent performance would be that her make-up made her look like a wife of 67, not 47! Still people aged faster in those days, and there's no knowing what salty air would do to a lady's complexion. Samuel spoke with a Glasgow accent and in his appearance bore a nodding resemblance to Rab C. Nesbitt. A newcomer to the company almost stole the show. Ian Philip as Sergeant of Police was the comedy hit of the night. A well-built man with makeup to give him a ruddy complexion, he was everyone's idea of The Laughing Policeman and the audience quickly warmed to him. Bob McCrum played the Major-General with elegance and aplomb but could perhaps have been a bit less stiff with his actions. Of the ladies, Margaret Smith (Mabel) had a beautiful voice and was well matched, both in height and in talent, to Frederic. "Poor Wandering One" was excellent. This was one of Alan C. Jones's best productions for the Savoy Club over the last few years.
LINDA WOOD
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