Pirates of Penzance: Oh, Better Far to Live and Die

Featuring Jon English from the Gilbert & Sullivan classic The Pirates of Penzance

[@ghostbirdofprey]

Sometimes I wonder if there's an unwritten rule that each production of Pirates of Penzance has to be more hilariously absurd than the last one. That could be why it's always so awesome.

[@LTPottenger]

It's Australia so no surprise. Will be hard to top this kind of comedy and charisma.

[@Ignauhak]

Their quarrel was a running gag throughout the trilogy that NEVER got old!

[@snubbyj]

i love how they argue with the conductor. the whole thing is very cool and different :-)

[@Jazzbeu55]

What an awesome performance. Even though they take considerable liberty with the script, I suspect Gilbert and Sullivan would fully approve of the additions.and changes. Absolutely brilliant humor.

[@suebursztynski2530]

Of course they would be fine with it. Think about “I’ve got A Little List.” They must have known it would be rewritten to stay funny and relevant.

[@LadyEvelynL]

I love the conductor's facepalm, classic

[@TheBr00talcore]

My school recently did Pirates for our School Musical. I was the Pirate King, and I swear, I stole half of everything I did/said off Jon English. This man is flawless in his portrayal of the character. Hoping to chuck up some videos of our version soon, but I swear, it will NEVER match up to the epicness that is Jon English

[@Kim-gv5bw]

Jon English-Aussie legend,singer,song writer and actor.Damn nice guy too.RIP mate😢❤

[@jdane2277]

When he passed, he took the role with him. So sad he's gone too soon.

[@MichaelParker-ko6gu]

Helen Donaldson is simply wonderful. I love her .

[@ashlles86]

My parents took me to see this when I was little and then I was lucky to see it again as a teenager. Loved it so much I bought the DVD only a couple of years ago. I laugh so hard every time I watch it. Will always be my favourite production ever. Our Pirate King will be so very missed. Thank you for introducing me to the magic of musicals Mr. English.

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Ashlle, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@Ignauhak]

Jon English MAKES the show! Gives it, in my opinion, the much-needed Brechtian approach G&S themselves would've encouraged!

[@kerriemorris1730]

So proud to be able to say I saw him live more than once. His performances were out of this world and I have so many fond memories of seeing him on stage. He will always be the Pirate King to me.

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Kerrie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@IngenuousSoprano]

I love this version, but for some reason, I can't help but think of Jareth singing "For I am the Goblin King!" lol

[@rozziechapman]

There are some truths which are universal - Tom Baker IS the Doctor and Jon English IS the Pirate King!!!! LOL!

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Rozzie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus?

[@starshinemusicstudio8181]

I recall seeing this in Brisbane at QPAC back in 1994! Loved it (and still do). A wonderful talent, sorely missed! RIP Jon. :(

[@glen7318]

He playedthe part 1000 times i think....

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Pretty, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus?

[@alithegreen]

RIP Jon English! :(

[@wenshadow1]

I love this, never get bored with watching it, Brilliant.!!!!

[@spinningglenda]

Saw the whole production on Sky Arts this week and thought it was fabulous! Wished I had recorded it but didn't so delighted to have found these videos. Thank you so much.

[@johnmcguire6699]

Just got cast as pirate king I am so excited!

[@martinpatrick9915]

Are you doing the role the same way Kevin Kline did.

[@johnmcguire6699]

@@martinpatrick9915 I did have a different outfit but I was inspired by Kevin with some of the dance moves and the inflections of the lines

[@Belsamuel]

... I love his purple pants...

[@InuKun2008]

RIP to both Jon English (Pirate King) and Kevin Hocking (Conductor).

[@jimfiggerty833]

Top class.

[@Kim-gv5bw]

❤❤❤😂😂😂Nothing like Gilbert and Sullivan!!Except maybe Rodgers and Hammerstein.BRILLIANT.😊

[@msfyn]

To lettucequeen, when I am really sad, which is often I play my video of the whole production on volume 10. It makes me laugh & cry. Excellent show. Thank you for sharing.

[@MarieCris09]

It reminded me of how I had a crush on him when I was little. No surprise. :D

[@searchingforthree]

Wow, This is a cool stlye to "An American Tail: Fievel Goes West". And The Music to the Pirate King Song is really rocking!!!!

[@PuissantAlgernon]

A true masterclass in name-dropping :D

[@taylortheblack]

you're right, the part with the conductor was indeed very good.

[@SilviaViolin]

Brilliant!

[@martinpatrick9915]

Jon English RIP.

[@Davoerlo]

1:44 you actually hear him yell weeeeee!!!!

[@Sclasspsycho]

I was in a production of this at my high school. I wanted to be a pirate, but I ended up being a police officer. I will never get those songs out of my brain as long as I live! :P Oh well, it was fun!

[@tucktucktucker6483]

5:05 everytime I see this bit I keep expecting him to drop the sword.

[@measuringtap3]

no 1 does it as good as jon english

[@MrIronWar]

Dont mess with the conductor.

[@jasperjasperjasperj]

want those puple trousers for when i do it :)

[@nextlifearotti]

it's funny but I saw this years and years and years ago in Brisbane and I couldn't remember the details except that I enjoyed immensely. thank you for posting it

[@allymayful]

Such good fun.

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Ally, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@Spookyinvasion]

NOT THE ROPE!!

[@games4me4]

what the crap? i'm gonna be in this play soon and all i can say is wow.

[@4evaTCB]

I'm so sorry, I meant to give you a thumbs up, Jon English is the best and so darn funny.

[@Ignauhak]

Every one but Pinafore, surprisingly, even though it's set on a ship & Mikado isn't, the latter STILL manages to fit the rope in! And NOTHING done by Jon in the show set ENTIRELY on a ship!

[@frobsey]

brill

[@maggie07967]

but Jon english is still totally brilliiant and Keven Kline can't be everywhere no matter how great his version is. This compares. well done John xxx

[@glen7318]

I think he's better than KLine...

[@martinpatrick9915]

Oh really,

[@MagicalMistoffolees]

this is unbelievably funny!! tho some of it can be a little too much, i still love it!

[@measuringtap3]

wow jon english rocks

[@MATHUSORAMA]

classic

[@useless360]

Luffy wants to send him flying.

[@measuringtap3]

yea

[@monkeyishi]

@RTgrl the rope bit is the only part i remember from this musical

[@JuliT56]

@jess4dinner Available at Amazon

[@100PercentHenny]

nah ''you want to go back in he barrel??''

[@nigellica]

Do you mean Pour O Pour the Pirate Sherry? It's here somewhere too.

[@SweetBriarRose]

@horanpastoran Hi - Kline's version is older - 1980 off Broadway, 1981 on Broadway and the film was released in 1983, though made before that.

[@martinpatrick9915]

Yup.

[@Toothpicklvr]

Dude,you're right.... Mostly. About the pirates

[@Callithyia]

@LadyEaglestar18 it was Essgee Entertainment-- Simon Gallaher (Frederick)'s company ;) They're on wikipedia :D

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Pretty, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus?

[@MadFranandfriends]

Thing is it can. For me personally that is the boundary between opera and musical. Yes actually now you mention it. if you don't know Simon Keenlyside, look him up. I recommend his Don Giovanni.

[@Miketheman2992]

do all shows have the rope bit? or something like it, or just this one?

[@LadyEaglestar18]

Could some one tell me what group did this?

[@SweetBriarRose]

@hardsixteenyeah Hi, glad you found me - yes, the video of Kline dancing in "In and Out" is very funny! Happy New Year to you, hope 2011 is good to you, too, my "virtual" friend! Just a bit about me - I'm in my 60's, retired now, and live in the south of England, where at the moment it is very rainy, cold and miserable!!!! I'm sure the weather is better where you are! Best wishes, hope to chat again soon. Rose

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Tereza, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus?

[@mattschmit1]

NO WAY!!!!! Im the pirate king at my school.

[@martinpatrick9915]

Cheers.

[@ronydica]

My school makes a show with the pirates of penzance and i am the pirate king

[@martinpatrick9915]

Did you play the role in the style of Kevin Kline?

[@SweetBriarRose]

@hardsixteenyeah Hi - I will have a look at Jon English - I've caught scraps but just he didn't gell with me, while Kline just blew me away - funny, athletic, sexy, and - rare even with opera singers - you could hear every word he sang/said! Just wish we could get the film version DVD over in the UK!!! Wasn't too keen on Rex Smith - adequate but not really the voice for Frederic.

[@nigellica]

I think they have cut most of the dialogue out.

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Nigellica, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus?

[@JenxRodwell]

"But I'm a pirate!" Yeah, I really like this version. Though they seem to have put a bit too much gags along the whole play, so it kinda ruins it at times..

[@Toothpicklvr]

What theatre group is this?

[@martinpatrick9915]

Estee theater,

[@SweetBriarRose]

@hardsixteenyeah Sorry, not a patch on Kevin Kline!

[@axel144]

@mistressladyjulianna You are so right!

[@thrall898]

"Oh better far to live and die under the great black flag I fly" [cuts down flag] "...." [waves Samuel to fix it] "And (rest of the song)"

[@SweetBriarRose]

@hardsixteenyeah Hi there - yes, sorry - "hun" is a common internet shortened form of "honey" - an Americanism used between friends - or people who want to be friends. G&S is short for Gilbert and Sullivan; as you probably know, Gilbert wrote the libretto (words) and Sullivan the music for "Pirates of Penzance" - and a lot more! Hope this helps. I think your English is very good - it's great that you're practising on places like this! Please feel free to practise on me, if it helps. xxxx

[@MarieCris09]

Are you sure that's not one of the other members of the cast?

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Marie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@vespasian123456]

Ok, why do you think that?

[@Kingoftourrico]

The Score says that the singing is supposds to be off

[@mistressladyjulianna]

I cant say I LOVE Jon English playing this. Though he is very talented, I can't find anyone who can top Kevin Klein.

[@martinpatrick9915]

Oh really.

[@CailenCambeul]

BETTER than EASY STREET

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Cailen, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@SweetBriarRose]

@hardsixteenyeah Hi hun - no, sorry, I wasn't angry with you, and really sorry if it came over that way. You enjoy John English - half the enjoyment of G&S is the fun element, as well as the glorious music! No offence meant, hun, sorry if I hurt you, didn't mean to! Cheers xxx

[@genshitenson]

You probably want to take that problem not to the directors but to Gilbert & Sullivan or whoever wrote the PLOT, point out that no noblemen in their right minds would go to piracy... Good luck getting an answer to that claim

[@SweetBriarRose]

@Tenkton Hi Tenkton - sorry, thought we still had free speech! I wasn't particularly "dissing" English - just saying I preferred Kline in the role - he set the gold standard for me! Not my intention to offend anyone. So I'll just say that, for me, Kline is the best Pirate King I've ever seen; if other people disagree, fine, and if I've offended anyone, I apologise unreservedly. Was just expressing an opinion, not start a war!

[@martinpatrick9915]

Kevin Kline had the voice for the role.

[@vespasian123456]

Kevin Kline didn't wear purple trousers......

[@alisantetik3725]

Alex Bliss actually Kline did wear trousers in the 1980 new York Shakespeare production and the Broadway transfer but didn't wear them in the movie

[@alisantetik3725]

Purple trousers

[@vespasian123456]

this operetta is designed to be raucous, ridiculous, silly and fun. Whereas some productions do sing the same thing all the way through, I think the way they choreographed the whole thing is great, swinging on the rope, fighting the conductor. If you sing it straight through with no ad-libbing or theatrical silliness, it becomes stuffy. Having performed in this role, I think I can speak with a little more authority than you,.

[@glen7318]

Quite right, its meant to be fun and lively

[@Tenkton]

@SweetBriarRose Well, and I'd rather get kidnapped by Jon English, so what? Kevin Kline is a famous actor, and Jon English a famous singer. We can all pick and choose as we please. I don's see why you have to dis one actor just because you prefer an other.

[@MadFranandfriends]

I agree and yes, a better singer will sing it better, but these songs aren't just about singing. The acting can be just as or more important. See if operetta's were all about singing technique and perfection they'd be somewhat duller..

[@Tenkton]

@SweetBriarRose You were pretty hard on English, and I saw no reason for that at all, just because you like Kline better. And I just used my freedom of speech to tell you that. So: I disagree with you - but I was not offended, so no reason to apologize.

[@SweetBriarRose]

@hardsixteenyeah Sorry, I didn't see this message until now, so sorry not to have answered you. I'm a woman by the way, and yes, I'd love to chat to you on here! I'll see if I can send you a Friend invite - not too good on KZbin yet, but I'll try. Best wishes. Rose

[@vivaelphaba]

the last "pirate king" part went on for a thousand years and the dude cant sing that well.

[@MadFranandfriends]

Deskau? Dietrich Fischer-Deskau? The whole point of G&S was not to use big named opera singers....

[@communicationfive]

not enough bass

[@SweetBriarRose]

@iskyftwroflcopterSoi If you're going to be gratuitously (look it up) rude to people, at least get your facts right first. In British English, we distinguish between "practise" as a verb and "practice" as a noun. E.G "My dentist practises (verb) in town, but has opened a new practice (noun) near me." Though what my spelling has to do with you, I really cannot imagine! Oh, PS - I have 2 degrees in English, so I do know how to write my own language without any advice from you.

[@MadFranandfriends]

Of course he can and I'm well aware of his talent (not to mention his dedication to the "Lieder". "What of it?" I can't believe I'm answering such a silly question. Do you ignore the wish of the composer in everything you do?

[@PuissantAlgernon]

It would have been possible to take your comment seriously if you'd resisted the opportunity to put in that little bit about your being better than Jon English...

[@DHRbarnett]

If you play the pirate king and copy jack sparrow and not jon english, you are HORRIBLE

[@SweetBriarRose]

Well, I had a look at Jon English singing I am a Pirate King - not impressed! A lot of the "business" Kline had done/started in the 80's - like the fight with the conductor, and landing on his pirates who collapse under his weight! English just seems to be trying toooo hard to be funny, while with Kline the humour came naturally. AND English ain't half as sexy as Kline!!! I'm a bit too old now (like Ruth lol!) but Kline could have kidnapped me - no probs! ;)

[@mistressladyjulianna]

the humor is there, the energy is definitely there, i just dont love the way he sang it

[@jasminnemcdonald94A]

Jon English is too campy.

[@user-rt4en2mb1u]

Hello Jasmine, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@weeemf]

Absolute embarasment