Productions > H.M.S Pinafore
Book tickets to see H.M.S Pinafore

This is a tale of mismatched love across different social classes. Josephine is the captain’s daughter and has fallen for lowly sailor Ralph. Yet her father has other ideas – he has promised her to Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Will love prevail? Climb aboard to find out and enjoy a feast of fun along the way. Hip hip hooray!

The action takes place on the quarterdeck of HMS Pinafore which is anchored in Portsmouth harbour.

Synopsis

The Pinafore is a “saucy” beauty of a ship in Her Majesty’s navy. Its proud sailors are busy scrubbing the decks for the expected arrival of Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B., Britain’s First Lord of the Admiralty. ‘Little Buttercup’, a bumboat woman who is “red and round and rosy” comes aboard to sell to the sailors her stock of “snuff and tobaccy and excellent jacky,” and other luxuries.

A handsome and accomplished sailor, Ralph, tells his messmates that he is in love with the Captain’s daughter, Josephine. Dick Deadeye, the embodiment of the ugly truth, reminds the starryeyed seaman that Captain’s daughters’ don’t marry foremast hands! Captain Corcoran arrives to inspect his crew. The gentleman captain sings that he never uses foul language and is never sick at sea – well, “hardly ever”.

Josephine is sought in marriage by Sir Joseph, but it seems that she has no enthusiasm for a union with that cabinet minister – secretly, she is in love with the lowly sailor, Ralph.

It also seems that Little Buttercup has a romantic interest in Captain Corcoran and also harbours a secret about Ralph! Finally, Sir Joseph arrives attended by his “sisters and his cousins and his aunts,” among whom is his loyal but jealous cousin, Hebe. He explains that he rose to the top post in the Navy by sticking close to his desk and never going to sea. He also encourages Captain Corcoran to request that his sailors follow an order with the phrase “if you please”. After all, his Lordship notes, “a British sailor is any man’s equal”. Indeed, he presents the crew with a song that he himself has composed to encourage “independence of thought and action in the lower branches” of the Navy. Sir Joseph and Captain Corcoran retire below decks to discuss the proposed marriage.

Ralph finds Josephine alone on deck, where he declares his love for her and his willingness to try to fit in with middle-class society. She rejects his proffered love, although his simple eloquence goes to her heart. She is a dutiful daughter and cannot forget the disparity in their ranks. But when Ralph threatens suicide, the lady relents and declares her love for him. With the crew and the sisters, cousins and aunts assisting, the lovers plot to elope that very night. Dick Deadeye however warns the pair of the impropriety of their plan, but he is forced to retreat.

Synopsis

Captain Corcoran is alone on deck with his guitar and sings to the moon of his troubles. Little Buttercup comes to him and reveals her affection. He tells her that because of his rank he can never be more to her than a friend; but she hints darkly that a change is in store for him, and “things are seldom what they seem”.

Sir Joseph returns, complaining that Josephine does not favour his suit. The Captain comforts him by theorising that she is dazzled by his lofty station and suggests that he plead his cause on the ground that “love levels all ranks”. When Josephine hears this argument, she considers how eloquently Sir Joseph has stated the justification for her to marry Ralph!

Dick Deadeye finds the Captain alone and reveals the planned elopement. He and the Captain lie in wait for the crew, who steal in “carefully on tip-toe”. The Captain confronts the elopers and is so exasperated that he actually swears a foul oath, “Damme!”, which is overheard by Sir Joseph Porter. Judging first and asking questions later, Sir Joseph orders the Captain to go to his cabin for this “ill-advised asperity”. Upon enquiry, Sir Joseph finds out that Ralph and Josephine love one another and orders the “presumptuous” sailor to the brig. Affairs are interrupted by Little Buttercup, who discloses her long-concealed secret: as their foster mother, she had exchanged the Captain and Ralph while they were both babies.

Sir Joseph immediately sends for Ralph (who is now Captain) and the Captain (who is now a humble seaman). Since it is “out of the question” for Sir Joseph to marry the daughter of a mere sailor, his Lordship nobly consents to the marriage of Ralph and Josephine. The former Captain is now free to marry dear Little Buttercup, and Sir Joseph agrees to marry his longtime admirer, Cousin Hebe. All ends with “joy and rapture unforseen,” for “he is an Englishman!”

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

What Our Audience Say

Julie Fisher

Just to say how much we enjoyed this afternoon’s performance of HMS Pinafore. Such energy and commitment from every single performer and a great production. The musicians were excellent too, thank you for a super afternoon.

Ricky

Great productions and performances. Atmospheric locations. Fun adaptations.

Production Cast

Freya Jacklin

Freya Jacklin

View Profile
Catrin Lewis

Catrin Lewis

View Profile
Edmund Caird

Edmund Caird

View Profile
Mark Horner

Mark Horner

View Profile
Mike Woodward

Mike Woodward

View Profile
Holly Viner

Holly Viner

View Profile
Vanessa Woodward

Vanessa Woodward

View Profile
Tristan Stocks

Tristan Stocks

View Profile

Get Opera Ready

Prepare for an unforgettable performance—book your tickets now and don’t miss a note!

Where to watch H.M.S. Pinafore

No events found!

Gallery