'HMS Pinafore' review — all aboard Gilbert and Sullivan's megahit comic opera for a joyful voyage

Read our review of HMS Pinafore, now in performances at the London Coliseum to 7 February 2026.

Summary

• Gilbert and Sullivan's hilarious nautical opera comes to London Coliseum
• English National Opera's production is directed by Cal McCrystal
• John Savournin is excellent as the pompous Captain Corcoran
• Mel Giedroyc has a fun cameo as Cabin Boy and Aunt Melanie

Cal McCrystal’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s 1878 megahit comic opera HMS Pinafore was first performed in 2021 and now returns for a handful of shows this side of Christmas before resuming in January. I don’t have any pantos booked this year and yet, after seeing this show, I feel as if that box has been ticked.

The slender story deals with Captain Corcoran’s attempt to marry his daughter Josephine off to Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty, however Josephine loves humble sailor Ralph Rackstraw. That’s essentially it but, in typical Gilbert and Sullivan style, there’s a twist at the end (one that doesn’t make much sense on paper or in performance). Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and it features some of G&S’s most delightful ensemble numbers.

Although McCrystal is a comedy specialist and ramps up the camp and “Hello, sailor” innuendo, the production isn’t as funny as it could be, with many of the spoken gags getting lost on the large stage. Despite the size of the space, it does appear crowded when the entire company is on stage together with little room to manoeuvre.

However it looks shipshape with its revolving set; the sailors are kitted out smartly and the extensive entourage of sisters, cousins, and aunts are decked out in expansive crinolines in a rainbow of hues and elaborate ginger hairdos (set and costume design by takis). Lizzi Gee’s choreography provides much of the humour (especially the mop-ography) and a good dollop of musical comedy sparkle with an Anything Goes-esque tap routine and chorus line opening the second act.

The original run featured comedian Les Dennis as Porter and the novelty casting for this run is presenter, comedian, and sometimes actor Mel Giedroyc, stowing away as Cabin Boy and Aunt Melanie. There are the obligatory Bake Off references and plenty of self-deprecating showbiz schtick.

The production is anchored by the John Cleese-esque John Savournin (himself a celebrated director of G&S) as Captain Corcoran, who is pompous and likeable, mellifluous of voice, and a nimble dancer. Neal Davies makes an obsequiously entitled Porter (the character is based on William Henry “WH” Smith of the newsagent fame, who ascended to the position in 1877 despite having never been to sea in his life), who has an eye for a handsome sailor and pronounces his ‘r’s as ‘w’s.

As Josephine, South Korean soprano Henna Mun sings with a precise soprano and crisp diction. However, Thomas Atkins’s Ralph and Rhonda Browne’s dear little Buttercup feel a bit hesitant.

The flag-waving “For he is an Englishman” jingoism doesn’t sit easily these days, though it is undercut by a visual reference to a former prime minister, and there is a lovely moment at the end that showcases the many different nationalities that comprise English National Opera. This is nothing if not a joyful ensemble piece.

HMS Pinafore is at the London Coliseum to 7 February 2026. Book HMS Pinafore tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Photo credit: HMS Pinafore (Photos by Craig Fuller)