It was a pleasure to return to the creative team led by director Cal McCrystal for the revival of the 2021 staging of Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore at English National Opera. Revisiting this operetta offered a brilliant opportunity to refine the physical storytelling and elevate the show’s trademark slapstick choreography.
Although much of the original movement and physical comedy I created in 2021 remained intact, this revival introduced several key revisions, particularly to higher-risk elements such as staged falls and the sequence involving a performer being dragged across the stage by the revolve. These moments required fresh choreography, renewed precision, and detailed attention to performer safety.
My primary role on this production focused on ensuring that every element of physical theatre; from comedic falls to action-based transitions, could be executed both safely and convincingly. This also included advising on and shaping aspects of the set design that impacted movement, helping to create a stage environment that supported safe, effective, and repeatable slapstick action.
A highlight of the process was collaborating closely with Mel Giedroyc, working together on a series of choreographed falls from height and developing the comedic revolve-drag sequence for her character. Her commitment to detail and timing made the work both rewarding and genuinely entertaining.
As always, it was a joy to collaborate with the outstanding team at The ENO, and work at London's Coliseum. I look forward to future opportunities to bring more physical storytelling, theatrical choreography, and comic staging to life with this incredible company.
