A good ol’ Gilbert and Sullivan romp with its tongue firmly in its cheek. You expect certain things from The Pirates of Penzance and in many capacities, this Scottish Opera and D’Oyly Carte production at the Bristol Hippodrome does not disappoint.

To start, the obviously accomplished orchestra delivered the overture with more precision than spirit. Although far from being a deal-breaker, this seemed to be a theme throughout the whole first act.

The pirates, for example, were missing some of the “aaargh” I usually like to see in a band of sea rogues.

Frederick too, played here by Nicholas Sharatt with winning awkwardness, lacked a certain oomph that would make the character leap off the score and onto the stage.

With pillaging on the cards, the Pirates had to watch their backs as Rebecca Bottone stole their limelight with Poor Wandering One and with one of the only voices that seemed to carry its weight above the orchestra, a fact that made other performers seem lacking in vigour on occasion.

However, if Bottone pilfered some of the attention, Graeme Broadbent positively plundered it, stealing the show as the Sergeant of Police.

Much of the second act’s energy was owing to his performance; the Pirates upping their game to compete with his winning smile and ridiculous legwork.

There are many elements of this production which are well conceived and realised. The scenery for example is both simple and precise, yet achieves an almost Terry Gilliam level of comic silliness in the final scenes.

And when the chorus comes together, we are reminded that we are watching a company of immensely talented singers.

Happily, the Pirates of Penzance remains a jolly romp, and if the cast can add a good dose of gusto to their technical ability and precision, they’ll make a fine crew indeed.

Review by Laura Hounsom

Pirates of Penzance is at the Bristol Hippodrome until June 22. Visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-pirates-of-penzance/bristol-hippodrome/ for tickets and more information.