Jon English - Pirates Of Penzance - With Cat-Like Tread

[@garystewart2355]

I saw a version at a school where the Pirate King keeps railing the crowd up for encores so the conductor gets fed up and jumps on stage to duel him with his conductor wand.

[@carissamace]

Fun fact the dueling conductor joke actually happened. It was a spur of the moment thing in the premier in 1879.

[@thewayfaringgoblin4544]

Baton lol but wand sounds more cool

[@vanessahenry7238]

Epic!

[@Dulcimertunes]

Cool!

[@JoshFreilich]

If I did Pirates of Penzance I’d run that song into the GROUND! I’d give it 10 minutes max before the cast and audience finally have enough…

[@paul16451]

I'm most impressed the cast has the pipes to sing this loudly over and over again and still do the rest of the show!

[@lauragranger9813]

the 'non musician' drummer would have been exhausted too

[@edalvillar4257]

🌲😗🙃🌲👰🙃😗

[@BennyLlama39]

The loudest song *ever* about being stealthy. 😀

[@carissamace]

That’s the joke. It’s set to the Anvil Chorus which is as bout as subtle as the name implies. It’s a reference lost on most modern viewers.

[@martinfiedler4317]

A bunch of bumbling fools. Exactly the kind of people you elevate to the House of Lords, so that they can't cause damage anymore. Oh wait...

[@nativevirginian8344]

Never heard of Jon English before today. My loss! This is grand. RIP to the Most Glorious Pirate King. 🏴‍☠️

[@mickman3582]

Do yourself a favour and go onto you tube. Type in All together now. He made a tv sitcom in the early 90s and even though it's not a musical it just shows his talent as and actor. He is great!

[@lynneperry7454]

He was a really convincing Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Evening belonged to him more than the singer who was playing JC. Worth hunting for. You Tube to the rescue for more of him

[@jessicagothie2951]

@@lynneperry7454 I'm pretty sure that Judas is 100% the better role in Jesus Christ Superstar.

[@edalvillar4257]

👰🌲😌😌👰

[@lynnshaw8902]

He was an Australian rock and roll singer. A controversial and unlikely choice for this role. Turned out he brought a hilarious irreverent slant to this role. Brought out new angles of humour. Became hugely popular as our Pirate King!

[@hieronymusboschful]

‘Dear Pirate King, I love your purple pants.....’ Jon English will always be my Pirate King. I was lucky enough to see him live a couple of times, the first as a 10 year old with this production in Sydney, the last time being at a Men of Letters event only a couple of years before he died. I can only hope that his tombstone bears the most famous line of this performance: ‘But we haven’t finished yet!’

[@hieronymusboschful]

@AMT it was the first professional production of anything I had ever seen. It was magnificent, and yes - I am very lucky. Hope you and your daughter still carry the spirit of the production with you.

[@ariaflame-au]

I got to see one where I was in a row near enough the front to get swung over.

[@jennyallan8440]

This was the very first stage show I ever saw live also in Sydney. We grew up watching it on VHS and were so lucky to see it live. Absolutely instilled a love of musical theatre in me!❤

[@edalvillar4257]

🌲💝💜💜🌲💝💜

[@shadowfoxx5317]

"No! That's the wrong one!"

[@theguywhoisaustralian1465]

(Whispering) "With cat-like tread" *STOMP* Love it

[@benoitpellet1657]

Not many people know that at the time, this was a dig by G&S at many « grand operas » in which the chorus purports to stealthily creep across the stage, all the while singing at the top of their lungs. The coloratura notes in « Poor Wand’ring One » similarly mocks overuse of the same in « grand opera ».

[@maida-vale]

Superbly choreographed; superbly performed! Theatre as theatre should be and Mr. purple pants, no spring chicken!! Wonderful; Bravo all!!! (Ex rep. theatre press officer)

[@edalvillar4257]

🌲🤤😌🌲

[@rachelhowes5265]

Mr Purple Pants is Jon English. Great performer much beloved in Australia. RIP.

[@maida-vale]

Thanks for the info. I worked with another Ozzie great actor here in the UK named John Dommett; sadly no longer here (he lived in my flat at one stage) I can't contact his family but I still have a family hairloom that he'd left in my care and would love to return it to his kin. Any help would be welcome.@@rachelhowes5265

[@cgaussie]

Jon English was born to be on stage this was brilliant

[@jamesbrice3267]

Conductor: "Everybody ready?" Cymbalist: "Tell my wife I love her"

[@SarahB1863]

Did he really say that? I don't hear it in the clip.

[@jamesbrice3267]

@@SarahB1863 No, It's just what I would have said.

[@beanofglory1051]

XD XD XD Dying. Love you for this.

[@josiahfugal5407]

"It wasn't a musician, it was a drummer." I lold.

[@adventureswithaurora]

Same. 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheKenPrescott]

This is what happens when you get a natural 1 on your Stealth roll.

[@tadtranclere3729]

And then the major general checks for perception and also rolls a nat 1.

[@kilroy8989]

And you have several bards in you party.

[@GamingMad101]

This is also what happens when you get a natural 20 on your Stealth roll.

[@geraldineports6973]

When rogue takes a level of bard

[@WhiteTiger950]

Hahahaha! Nice!

[@karrahxeros1103]

The conductor is having the best time 🤣 I love this so much. Still remember every word from watching it when I was little. 😁🥰

[@theconfusedllama]

Went and saw this in person. Best play I've ever seen. And probably the only one I've liked "We haven't. Finished. Yet"

[@robbishop1742]

I was a small child when i saw this, but jon england stopped for a second and commented that i looked like i was at the wiggles due to my smile. Greatest childhood memory right there 😂

[@jenn6194]

Best line ever...

[@moniqueish4960]

#metoo Saw Jon English perform this about 1995 at PArramatta performing arts. Went especially because he was in it

[@sims2lovealot]

I saw this as a kid with my parents and grandparents too! It was my favourite movie so I was ecstatic to see it live with Jon English and Simon Gallagher. Best musical I've ever seen!

[@lynneperry7454]

It was my dad’s favourite Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta and we all loved it. This production came to Perth about 6 months after dad’s untimely death. Mum and I went to see it and loved it and were happy and sad at the same time.

[@telferaeryn3576]

Which year did this production come to perth? I've loved it all my life and i wish i'd got to see the great cast in action.

[@lynneperry7454]

@@telferaeryn3576 It was the early 1980’s

[@ariaflame-au]

@@lynneperry7454 was definitely in post 87 because I saw it in Perth

[@j.d.e.7416]

"Wait a minute! WE HAVEN'T FINISHED YET! Some very important dialogue to do!"

[@MeSaluNot]

Away!

[@JoshFreilich]

Hush hush…………(big breath) not a word…

[@sims2lovealot]

I see a light inside. Yeah the light's great.

[@JoshFreilich]

@@sims2lovealotthe Major General comes, so quickly hide!

[@Bandit666-w2o]

when i was 4 years old i used to watch this version of Pirates Of Penzance at least once a day, i loved it soo much xD knew every line off by heart. always wanted to meet Jon English, he was my hero as a kid. RIP Jon English

[@avryllsixtus3429]

I just loved this performance..just makes me feelglad and happy..just as Gilbert &Sullivan would have wanted..sheer genius and WOW Jon English is simply amazing....bravo..rest well..

[@newhopemedia]

I'm quite happy to say I worked on the recording and sound mix, in Dolby Surround, of this production. The CD of the performance won an Aria for Best Stage Performance as well.

[@alwaysgettingthere]

dude I hope to find this on DVD one day along with the other shows they did

[@newhopemedia]

alwaysgettingthere I’m fairly certain ABC TV released it on DVD. I know they released the audio as a CD. It won an Aria Award for Best Live Production

[@bahma810]

Congratulations NHM. Not an Aussie but loved this so much that I ordered the DVD from ABC. Paid a pretty penny for it too (including postage)

[@merledoughty5787]

@@alwaysgettingthere they are available still trying to think yes Essgee Productions they did these shows I have two on DVD and two on vhs tape. This show toured New Zealand back in the 90s fantastic shows We still laugh at possibly imho the best The Mikado, the banter between Joh and the conductor was so funny you would have to understand some of the Aussie and Kiwi wit in these ones

[@sarahvandenberg7624]

@@alwaysgettingthere I have the DVD!!!

[@mrsnatural2368]

To this day this is one of my favourite performances of a song in theatre ever.

[@kayemurley]

October 2024 I saw this performance. live.🎉 Best Pirates of Penzance I have ever seen. The audience was with the performers and orchestra all the way. Uplifting. Funny, Glorious.❤

[@KayeTalbot]

Just loved this music.... lived and breathed Gilbert and Sullivan all my life ❤

[@BlossomFlowerGirl]

You have to laugh at the hi-jinks from the lads, somehow it seems the whole point of the curtain calls is to see the purple clad legs jumping and leaping around on stage! Waving a shiny sword round is helpful too! Love it. And yes, there may be more “polished” versions but anyone can do polished, not everyone can do Jon English!

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face ..

[@BlossomFlowerGirl]

It did, thank you.

[@benashton3691]

When i saw this in Brisbane, i thought there would be nothing worse than seeing a live musical. I was never so happy to be wrong.

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Ahhh....the memories ❤️ I saw this version on the Gold Coast oh, so many years ago. I bought a VHS copy ( yes, VHS !!!) , And it was on repeat Play for my kids to watch for many years 😍😍😍

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face,,

[@vikkithomas5390]

Still fills my heart with so much joy remembering watching Jon in this role... live

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face ..

[@chriskelly3481]

Privilaged to have seen JE play the pirate king in Melbourne many years ago. One of THE most fun experiences I have ever had at live theatre.

[@bluejhaygrl]

A wonderful man, and actor. So glad i grew up watching him. RIP

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face,,

[@jenn6194]

Fell in love with him in JC Superstar when I was just a wee lass. Followed his career and had the joy of taking my 2 daughters to "Pirates" and now we all miss him together. ❤️❤️❤️💖

[@tkps5079]

I've never forgotten the costume he wore for JCS. I got to see it with my Dad the year before he passed. Saw Jon several times over the years but never in Pirates which I would have adored from watching it on TV.

[@ravenocisty]

Such fun! Saucy and delightful. Love the conductor's costume.

[@gavanhill5132]

It wasn’t me, it was a musician! Which musician? Sorry, it wasn’t a musician, it was a drummer.

[@EtzEchad]

Reminds me of a story I heard of a poor groupie that got so drunk that she slept with the bass player. How embarrassing!

[@BennyLlama39]

I don't know... depending on the band, sleeping with the bassist may not be such a bad gig, so to speak. 😀

[@mattdickie4696]

That drummer joke hit me where it hurt

[@bahma810]

Ah Jon English. I had such a crush on you. RIP mate

[@karrenturner7837]

So sad we will never see this group again R.I.P Jon English Michael Falzon (pink shirt ) Kevin Hocking (conductor) Lachlan Youngberg ( one of the police)

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face,,

[@robinward4056]

jon english made this spectacular best version i have ever seen in my 50 yrs

[@weresmurf5731]

This production was just *so* full of love and joy, you can tell. I remember being in highschool when it was around. My school did a production, I caught it another time. But during those days, the media surrounding it was *massive* Jon English and Simon Gallagher did loads of media for their Gilbert and Sullivan productions, and they always, always praised each other, always spoke about the absolute fun on set. So glad I got to live through those times :)

[@paulinetrivago.7540]

Its so good but I feel so bad because they are dead after the 2nd go, undead after 3rd, and absolutely deceased after the 4th

[@SamHargreaves]

That's all acted. No need to feel bad. :)

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face,,

[@TMThesaurus]

Still my favourite version of Pirates of Penzance

[@BennyLlama39]

Ah, but have you ever seen The Pirate Movie? 😀

[@sims2lovealot]

Mine too! Grew up with this version and was lucky enough to see the production live with most of this cast.

[@douglasburnside]

If your criteria for a Gilbert & Sullivan performance is based on the operatic quality of the singing and the merciless adherence to the original production values, then you might enjoy other performances more. The movie production with Linda Ronstadt, Keven Kline, Rex Smith, Tony Azito, George Rose comes to mind. The choreography in "Tara Tara" is especially good. That said, the absolute joy and fun in this performance with the "fourth wall" interactions with the conductor and the audience, the way that Jon English absolutely *owned* this production in every scene in which he appeared, the liberties taken with the way it was "supposed" to be done, these things make this the greatest ever performance of Pirates IMHO.

[@cannyexplorer5357]

Loved watching this and the rest of the wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan performances with Jon English. Shame they not shown anymore on Sky Arts. Needed this during the awful lockdown as what is now shown by tv companies is rubbish and violence. We need cheering up not made even more depressed.

[@sheenakaal4589]

I've watched this production more than once (on KZbin). It was a rip-roaring success. I must be biased. No other production is so full of fun and energy. Well, maybe there is, but I've not seen it.😍😂😂😂🥰

[@leoliver4288]

I have watched this 25 times its amazing

[@RedKat2019]

I've done Pirates twice and I'm about to do it again in March. I have watched this version more times than I even know!!! My favorite!!! 💜💜💜

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face ..

[@howizee]

Saw the reunion tour of this production. So damn good. Somehow still as energetic.

[@DreamBelief]

Such a treasure. I was lucky enough to see him perform once as a child. I wish there were a recording of that show (a funny thing happened on the way to the forum). Thank you for the endless joy I hope the loved ones left behind are doing well

[@AtomicAus]

I remember mum putting on her VHS of this for me when I was like 3-4, I thought it was the funniest thing in the world, obviously not the words, but just seeing the exhaustion

[@nicholasturton9267]

That is a fantastic performance. Gilbert and Sullivan wouldn’t spin in their graves at this version they would stand up and applaud all this version has done for me is make any effort by other performers second class.

"hush hush.... not a word" The delivery was perfect!

[@cynful4763]

The 1 and only pirate king 💜

[@lesleymitchell8067]

I was so lucky to have seen this, years ago. Never to be forgotten.

[@adeleziminski6123]

Thanks so much for posting this clip. Ashamed to admit I never heard of Jon English until 2 weeks ago when I came across this. I watch this at least once a day - it never ceases to delight and amaze !!

[@MandyJMaddison]

Adele Ziminski if you are still there somewhere watching Jon English, watch him in H.M.S. Pinafore

[@jekubfimbulwing5370]

This crew did Pirates, Mikado and Pinafore. They are brilliant!

[@SauronsLeftNut]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGq6Zp-Hg6uVY68

[@aussiehorndog]

Jon English, the original Judas, in the original Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Also saw him as Pseudolys in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

[@jenn6194]

Simon Gallagher would have been impossible to beat, apart from being completely upstaged by the heroes of this entire production, Jon English, and Toni Lamond.

[@aussiepie4865]

I saw this production when it was in Melbourne and I fell in love with theatre.

[@MisterBlue55]

I am now in my late 60s but we did Pirates of Penzance at school. Also when I was a child I saw all of the Gilbert and Sullivan operattas (as well as Cox and Box) performed by the D'oyle Carte Company at its home in The Savoy Theatre in the Strand, London. My school was Battersea County School in south west London and was renowned for its big productions. In fact, we did My Fair Lady one year. I played Freddy Einsford-Hill and my potential father-in-law, Alfred Dolittle, was played by the illustrious actor, Timothy Spall. The irony is, although Tim was an infinitely better actor than I, he is actually two yars younger!! I know that everyone at my school who knew him is so proud of his achievements.

[@coral9642]

I saw Jon English in this play and in Jesus Christ Superstar in Adelaide. He was great and I love his singing voice. I still have several of his records. RIP xxx❤

[@maussie9462]

Stunning performance ❤ gave me goosebumps and got teary! Absolutely wonderful!🎉

[@cruisematt8585]

Jon English was something special

[@TheMadmax9741]

Saw this live , my son went backstage introduced to him a real gentleman, sadly missed

[@adriennefuller4984]

one of the nicest performers I had the pleasure of meeting as FOHM at the maj in Perth sadly missed RIP Jon Adri xx

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face ..

[@bronfoth]

This looks very much like a recording of my first ever musical when I was just 8! 🤯 What a find! Pirates of Penzance in 1984 at the Melbourne Concert Hall. The cast included Jon English, Simon Gallaher, David Atkins, June Bromhill, Marina Prior, John Wood, Fiona Hallett, Anna Butera , Tom Blair. An AMAZING cast full of the future big names in Australia's musical theatre and live theatre performance industry!

[@MoorishBandit]

LOL its not Gilbert and Sullivan without 4th wall breaks.

[@williamyoung6601]

One of the best versions ever.

[@heathergarnham9555]

I grew up on this version, we had a 2 disc CD, we can quote the whole thing word perfect. I can't imagine ANYONE else as the Pirate King other than Jon English

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face ..

[@gloriamarsh-fisher4504]

I love this video. Jon English is superb in this part.

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face ..

[@scottleft3672]

The British are born singers....but we convicts, had a lot of practice in this type of singing, they used to use their leg irons... chains, to clink out the beat, they sing (if a kind captain) all the way to Botney Bay...and then round the corner to Sydney town, and UP PARAMATTA RD NEAR BAULKUM HILLS....AND LET ME, DO IT RIGHT.....oop's, got carried away.

[@stevenmcdonald-rl9wg]

A regional group, Heartland Opera Theatre Company, is performing this in two weeks and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!❤❤❤

[@norsewolf1364]

I saw the Pirates of Penzance on the Savoy 2001 (ish). Wow. I loved it.

[@kathyknight3896]

Best Pirate King & pirates ever!!!!!

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face,,

[@treadingtheboards2875]

I had the pleasure of playing Major Stanley back in 2007 in a community production, our director "borrowed" a few things from the Jon English adaptation. I have seen 3 Jon English versions dating back to the, I think 1894 performance, the first time they performed it, it was the 1994 production that got my son and daughter interested in the stage with my daughter now on the London West End, (well she will be when the lockdown is ended.) My son is still at home on the Community theatre circuit with me. (Edit;) I have the DVD box set of Pirates, Mikado and Pinafore. binge watched them for days after he passed.

[@robertgraziano]

Pure joy!Thank you Sir and R.I.P.

[@millabite5028]

Australians always do it best don’t they.

[@alecgraham8868]

Millabite no

[@merledoughty5787]

Yes plus you had some Kiwis in them as well HMS Pinafore Mikado

[@justmepercy720]

Yep.

[@aussiepie4865]

Jon will always be the pirate king.

[@julied6512]

I saw this wonderful performance way back when in ADELAIDE South Australia- what a wonderful performance from an extremely talented cast...

[@PlanetBobstar]

I could never believe the arrogance of Jon English. Sure, the guy was a master at his craft, but was it really worth paying to see him prance around in dead silence for 7 minutes straight?

[@tkps5079]

That's not arrogance that's sheer bloody entertainment. You don't see the calibre of this much any more. Give the bloke his due. He always entertained no matter what the genre. Arrogance is the last thing he can be accused of.

[@PlanetBobstar]

@@tkps5079 Oh I love the bloke, he's a solid bloke. I was only making an ironic joke about the song being "dead silent", as it is anything but.

[@musiciangamer5506]

TKPS r/woooosh

[@treadingtheboards2875]

Whaaa? I have met him, he was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet, and was not afraid to help those who needed help. In a production of Penzance I was in the audience for, a couple arrived late, Jon English stopped his dialogue until they had been seated, then gave them a quick synopsis of what they had missed. The applause and laughter from the audience was almost to the standing ovation level.

[@glen7318]

@@PlanetBobstar That's the joke....

[@suziwaving5127]

Excellent! !

[@thomashogan16]

I love the guy in the kilt, and his saggy stockings. So much life!

[@carrotjuse]

I'll always love a man in a kilt!

[@Angelicwings1]

Meeting Jon in person was a true honour. A very nice and humble human.

[@andrewg.sharwood3378]

I met Jon English once... he was a huge guy.

[@danbev8542]

Fantastic!!!

[@peterrear2864]

Used to have great fun singing this with the male voice choir

[@jasminnemcdonald94A]

On the third encore, the Pirate King goes into male stripper mode.

[@removed857]

Yeah 😂

[@rjjsreactions-rk7zh]

Loads of fun and energy! 🙂

[@Chris-um3se]

Terrific, Ripping good ! Sacramento Salutes you!!

[@gailmatthew4380]

The great Jon English as the Pirate King..........we miss you J.🖤.

[@quizmaster85]

That moment (make it _those moments_ [!]) when the orchestra completely milks every opportunity for an encore 😆

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face,,

[@revesmouvants]

my god! 🤣 o, resquiet in pacem, jon english! this performance - it takes me to my “happy place” whenever such a thing is needed. thank you gilbert & sullivan *and.* jon english + all the other cast and crew!!

[@TheAuldBob]

Wha is this Gilbert and some other man? Why has he got kilted pirates? We Scots, and even wee Scots wirna villans. Don't the Inglis tell ud we are too wee, too poor and too stupid to run Scotland and we need England to run it for us? Not for much longer, though. Joking aside great performance all round.

[@mandie4041]

A drummer is a musician's best friend

[@vinnieviddivicci5459]

Also a singer's best friend!

[@rebeccahooper7968]

awesome just pure awesome brilliance xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[@philipswilson]

Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face,,

[@OmegaHulk2010]

"Now we're gonna hafta pull the switcheroo tomorrow night, at the Opera."

[@jdane2277]

What a talent and what a loss. I can't watch anyone else play the Pirate King now.

[@peterbennet7145]

Brilliant. If Freddie Mercury had sung Gilbert and Sullivan he might have got close to this performance. Might.

[@WhiteTiger950]

Hehe that conductor better be careful with the multiple encores, the pirate king DOES have a rapier! and that may be a prop but it still looks like he could give someone a good jab

[@kellydclear]

The purple pants on the pirate king. :D

[@usukandidont]

When your sneak decreases in level instead

[@shaymoore1260]

I love this

[@williamyoung6601]

Pure dead brilliant

[@Stickdeep]

I think that Pirates prove , if men didn't have women to approve our dress sense we would dress in big leather boots, purple pants and bandanas !

[@brunoguitteny5862]

Extraordinaire !

[@nbenefiel]

Y dad loved Gilbert and Sullivan. He used to take me to see Doyle Carte when I was around 10.

[@adventureswithaurora]

I'm just now noticing that one pirate who's trying to take all of the tools at 1:30, and I find it hilarious. 😂

[@milolovesmusic]

I have terminal heat thingies look forward to meeting my old pal JON again in not to distant future ANIMAL Plymouth uk

[@1621Rosie]

Wishing you all the very best :)

[@revesmouvants]

milolovesmusic so much love to you!! 😟☺️