The G&S For All Pinafore (1972)

Cast Sir Joseph Porter John Cartier Captain Corcoran Michael Wakeham Ralph Rackstraw Thomas Round Dick Deadeye Donald Adams Bill Bobstay Lawrence Richard Bob Becket John Banks Josephine Valerie Masterson Little Buttercup Helen Landis Hebe Vera Ryan G&S Festival Chorus & Orchestra Conductor: Peter Murray

Sounds on CD VGS 238

Pye NSPH-9

This is an abridged recording, with a companion film, made by Gilbert & Sullivan For All, the concert touring group formed by Thomas Round and Donald Adams. Most of the cast had D'Oyly Carte experience, though several of them (Cartier, Wakeham, Banks) only in small parts. Cartier, for example, was John Reed's understudy for many years. Valerie Masterson, on the other hand, was a bona fide star with the Company, and her presence enhances these recordings immensely. Helen Landis seems to have had no D'Oyly Carte experience, but she was the contralto of choice on all of these G&S For All sets.

The film has been re-issued on video by Musical Collectables. It is an adequate performance, with Valerie Masterson's Josephine being the defining highlight. Unfortunately, the transfer is so poor that only the most dedicated fans will find it tolerable.

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