The Brent Walker Pirates (1982)

Cast Major-General Stanley Keith Michell Pirate King Peter Allen Samuel Brian Donlan Frederic Alexander Oliver Sergeant of Police Paul Hudson Mabel Janis Kelly Edith Kate Flowers Kate Jenny Wren Isabel [not indicated] Ruth Gillian Knight Ambrosian Opera Chorus London Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Alexander Faris Camera Director: Rodney Greenberg Stage Director: Michael Geliot

Keith Michell OperaWorld PIR10V

CBS/FOX Video Cover Peter Allen as Pirate King

Like the many of the Walker videos, this production featured an American in a major role to increase interest amongst the U.S. television audience. But, like Peter Marshall in Pinafore and William Conrad in The Mikado, Peter Allen was utterly miscast. He plays the part with more effeminate swish than buckling swash, and he misses much of the humor. Keith Michell may not find many nuances in the Major-General, but he is at least adequate. Alexander Oliver and Janis Kelly sing sweetly, but Oliver — made up to look like an 1880 Frederic — looks utterly unconvincing. Gillian Knight's consummate vocalism and superb comic timing are bright spots. Except in a few odd spots, the production is mostly in a traditional spirit and gives a decent impression of what the opera is all about.