How simon stays totally still from 4.14 to 5.40 with all that comedy going on around him I don't know, just shows how professional his is. Jon and Toni were absolutely brilliant as well. We will miss Jon English R.I.P. Pirate King
I used to watch this version of the play all the time as a child. So many times that I could quote it word for word. I still love the 'General Standley is no orphen' bit
I've been watching this since I was born. My grandparents say it was my most favourite thing to watch! I tried looking at the other versions including the movie version and NONE OF THEM COMPARED TO THIS. It is the best version out there. And Jon English is so funny! I can still quote this word for word and i'm 18 now! Amzing and genious. You can find the DVD in the ABC shop!
I was the same way with the 1983 movie when I was a kid. Kevin Kline's pirate king was my hero when I was 3. I feel this rendition takes a lot of the elements that were in the 1983 movie and parodies them.
to the Ruddigore-extraction haters: G&S would often yank numbers from other shows and throw them into new ones. It fits right in with how they did things back then.
I have no problem with the Ruddigore interpolation in this delightfully freewheeling, loose-limbed interpretation, but the statement that "G&S would often yank numbers from other shows and throw them into new ones" is utter nonsense. The only exception I can think: when Sullivan, having accidentally left his sketches for the entrance of the women's chorus in Pirates back in England -- he was finishing the score in New York, where Pirates had its world premiere -- took "Climbing Over Rocky Mountain," with a few changes to the words, from their first collaboration, Thespis or The Gods Grown Old (the score of which has otherwise not survived). I can't think of any other instance, from Trial by Jury to The Grand Duke, where G&S moved a musical number between works. Indeed, one of the distinctive things about the "Savoy operas" is that each score has a distinctive flavor and sound, giving each one a special character. ADDITIONAL NOTE: The only G&S score that underwent significant change in a revival was The Sorcerer, where they replaced the original ending of Act I and opening chorus of Act II with newly written material, with an eye toward plot continuity and saving money on scenery (the original required 2 sets, the revised version only one).
I also love King: "our revenge shall be swift and-" Frederic: "kind? Merciful?" King: "no. Our revenge shall be swift and....... Abominable" Frederic: "oh, well done!!"
To properly get the whole orphan, one who has lost his parents; or often (pronounced orphan) frequently bit you should watch the whole video. ( ive seen this possibly thousands of times i have it on VHS thats how long ive had it for)
This is because it's similar to the Joseph Papp version of Pirates...only in that one, they sang the 'Matter' patter song which is also from Ruddigore. I like that they used Duty, Duty though. Nice change!
Hilarious. I'm playing the Pirate King in local production a couple of months from now. Granted, Kevin Kline was brilliant, but so, too, was the late, great Jon English. What an amazing talent; I'll ensure that he is duly honoured.
Gilbert would have had a fit about all the schtick - but it is really funny! I agree with Lady Evelyn the "General Stanley is no orphen" bit is a riot. Isn't it interesting that the Papp "Pirates" imported the "Matter" trio from "Ruddigore" and this production important "Duty Duty" from "Ruddigore" and with no text change! Not sure it worked dramatically, but it is a great trio and they do it well. I love Simon Gallaher as Frederick - Bravo!
I think Gilbert would have loved it. Sullivan on the other hand, who all his life wanted Gilbert to write a serious opera. Is probably rolling in his grave...or even leaning against the set back of hand to forehead 😃😂
@everybodysdeaddave spot on! man i wish i could see an esgee production of ruddigore; it's a madly funny operetta to begin with, and with this cast, i think i'd fall off the couch laughing XD
That song is 'You understand?' from Ruddigore. Pretty heavily altered, of course. The Joseph Papp version (which this is based on, I believe) featured a less-altered 'My eyes are fully open' instead, also from Ruddigore.
From what I understand it's not unusual to insert the song here as a way of replacing (in my opinion) the toughest song in Pirates of Penzance "It really doesn't matter". A song the really could be taken out entirely. Thanks for pointing out that it's from another G&S operetta though, I didn't know that.
I think you can buy it on amazon or EZYDVD if you live in Oz go to the ABC shop they'll have this and the MIKADO and HMS PINAFORE that these guy also did.
Jon English says: "Frederic speak out! I charge you with by the sense of conscientiousness to which we have never yet appealed in vain!" Had to listen a few times there, lol. If you look at the bottom of the screen after he says that, some of the orchestra members are holding up cards with numbers on them (scoring him in a way) and the audience thought it was hilarious. :) Hope that helped!
Great! It's from Ruddigore, which came much later in G&S's career, and shows them at their peak. You should check out the entire show....it's all good.
"well it's better than being an oooorphaan.." OMG HILARIOUS!!! i died laughing at that part! i was like rolling on the ground laughing! this really is an amazing musical! it has now become my favorite! XD i recomennd it for EVERYONE!! :D
This song is not from the Pirates of Penzance. It's a song from Ruddigore which they've inserted into the Pirates story. Cleverly done, but a rather startling change!
The Broadway version of Pirates, which became the movie version with Linda Ronstadt, included the Matter, matter, matter trio. It is hard to sing when done extremely fast and all in one breath as the Broadway performers did. But it's just a show- off piece stuck in there, and required word changes to make it fit.
He says "I just ahh, it's a bit sorta bogged down with clot there so, sorta colour and movement you know, it's just a bit of fun". I guess he just felt like livening up his moves a little. The audience says " Do it again".
i think he says: "just a bit bogged down in the plot there, so i just thought i'd throw in a bit of movement, "AGAIN!" what? oh i couldn't possibly." lol, hes australian so if you're not from there, im not but i was determined to understand lol. :-)
"Duty Duty" is from Ruddigore? Ah ok. As I understand; "My Eyes Are Fully Open" is also from Ruddigore and is some productions of Pirates (the 1982 film most notably). Is "Duty Duty" also often in some productions of Pirates???
They're basically copying what the Joseph Papp version did in the early 80's only instead of putting 'It Really Doesn't Matter' they put 'You Understand, I think I Do' in here in place of it. :)
