When I Was a Lad - HMS PINAFORE | Stratford Festival 2017

With witty dialogue, endearing characters, memorable tunes and a hilariously happy ending, these are the silliest shenanigans ever seen aboard a ship! Since its première in 1878, Gilbert and Sullivan’s wildly popular operetta has delighted audiences with its nautical tale of love across class divides.
HMS PINAFORE
Book and Lyrics by W.S. Gilbert
Music by Arthur Sullivan
A 2017 Stratford Festival production
Director: Lezlie Wade
Choreographer: Kerry Gage
Music Director: Franklin Brasz
Set Designer: Douglas Paraschuk
Costume Designer: Patrick Clark
Lighting Designer: Wendy Greenwood
Projection Designer: Nick Bottomley
Sound Designer: Peter McBoyle

[@thomashogan16]

Perfectly done. One can understand every single word. The guy has a fantastic voice.

[@mry37]

A lot of others slur notes but his voice is very crisp.

[@AlphaLackey]

Outstanding version, and I like how they modernized a few of the more obscure English words without missing a beat.

[@engin579]

All I want in life is that you guys uploaded the full rendition

[@jackd5525]

This is world class performance, and the best rendition of the song on KZbin. Thank you for sharing!

[@DavidS-iy8bb]

Completely agree, it's masterful

[@jerrydowse5061]

Look for the version by John Reed.excellent..

[@oldschool2546]

Somebody should acknowledge the skills of the sound technician too. Even sound this good does not get recorded this well by itself.

[@tylerleavitt9250]

He recorded the sound so well you see, That they made him the ruler of the king's navy.

[@johnnyandroidbc8091]

Wow! What a voice! He sings and enunciates so well, he can be the King's announcer!

[@wanekiacook9257]

Ah yes, the anthem of incompetence.

[@1313tennisman]

not just incompetence but also nepotism

[@Er1c_9]

Definitely relates to Robert Kennedy being appointed as US Attorney General by JFK

[@tadimaggio]

I love imagining a dinner party attended by the three greatest lyricists in the history of the musical theater: W.S.Gilbert, Lorenz Hart, and Stephen Sondheim. WHAT insights might those three have brought out in one another! (Postscript: It's 4 December 2021. Stephen Sondheim died eight days ago. He can finally attend that dinner party.)

[@wilsjane]

Do you realise that many of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas are based on true events. When the UK government needed to appoint a first lord of the admiralty in 1878, none of the elected members or parliament had ever been to sea. While cartoonists drew pictures of the appointee playing with rubber ducks, Gilbert and Sullivan wrote an operetta. The part about him using an all female group to inspect the fleet was also true. The UK government unsuccessfully attempted to ban the opening performance.

[@nts821]

This song is addictive.

[@Er1c_9]

Find someone who looks at you the way the young sailor looks at the ruler of the king’s Navy in 0:53

[@nuclearcatbaby1131]

“The King’s Navy” LoL he thought the Queen was already dead!

[@colintaylor646]

We needed you to pickup the mistakes, so so much.....

[@tadimaggio]

I'm a Gilbert and Sullivan nut, and I love this cover of this famous song; but I wonder why, in this version, it's "the KING'S navy". It was "the QUEEN'S navy" when the opera was written during Queen Victoria's reign (which is also when this production is set); and, in our own time, it's been "the Queen's navy" ever since 6 February 1952.

[@BillAngell]

Judging from costumes and set design, I'd guess this is set in one of the world wars, most likely the first. In both world wars there was a King on the throne rather than a Queen. That's probably why the line was changed.

[@RuRaynor]

From the look of the costumes, they chose to set this production in the Edwardian period, when we had a king.

[@nuclearcatbaby1131]

They’re going to have to sing it that way during modern productions from now on.

[@patpatterson8538]

Cuz, Freddie Mercury sued.

[@sleuthst6955]

@@patpatterson8538 Ha ha ha!!!

[@billbutler5970]

This is the best rendition I have ever heard. Wow.

[@chazbrennan9632]

He sings it very well but I like the character to be more obviously incompetent, vain, unqualified, pompous and sly. He meant to be a satire of a useless pen-pushing landlubber. This guy seems innocent and likeable.

[@feelock6452]

Ah, but that's the genius of the satire - he's soooooo believable! Competent! Butter-wouldn't-melt! Give him a massive contract for something for which he's wholly unqualified! Plus ca change ...;-)

[@Ettibridget]

Then watch the danish version.

[@zymelin21]

You want to see the australian version. therein is the admiral you desire

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

@@Ettibridget how can I find it?

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

@@zymelin21 how can I find it?

[@malbuff]

The last five notes of the refrain are the opening notes of "The Sailor's Hornpipe." I can't prove it, but I believe Sullivan started out with that and built his song around it. Note that Sir Joseph has a "thing" for hornpipes throughout the first act.

[@wilsjane]

Few people realise that this operetta was written on a highly topical subject at the time. The UK government appointer a first lord of the admiralty from an admin position. He had literally never set foot on a ship. His inspection of the fleet with an entirely female group, also true, along with him abandoning one inspection because he kept vomiting. The ship was at anchor inside Portsmouth Harbour. The government unsuccessfully attempted to take out a court order banning public performance of the operetta. Arthur Sullivan had some say in that one.

[@pault1964]

Our navy has more flag admirals than ships

[@adele8955]

True

[@douglas2437]

I love his wonderful diction in this performance!

[@denisbright3995]

Very relevant to contemporary politics and to its support base with generous funding from the military industrial complexes globally: Denis Bright in Australia. HMS Pinafore is always a popular musical 150 years later as armchair admirals plan wars with rival powers.

[@billgale5568]

I’ve seen many versions of this but I thought this was the best even though a few words were changed it didn’t change the idea that you could rise to the top by voting with your party even though you had never even seen a ship other than a “partner ship” at your law firm

[@moonlghtknght]

There is a better version here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4uQmJmXoaqKf5I MUCH funnier. I think if you look at that posters channel you will see parts of the entire performance there too.

[@rayray8687]

MoonLghtKnght: I have to disagree. I found Drew Forsyth’s character overacted and clown-like. Laurie Murdoch, on the other hand, portrayed the perfect political fool, completely oblivious to his own ridiculousness. I imagine the Essgee production was fun and I’ll admit I didn’t see it but I did see the Stratford production several times and I can say it was the best by far.

[@rayray8687]

Bill Gale: The changed lyrics in the “junior partnership” line were actually sung correctly on stage. I saw this production several times and I can assure you the changed line was only for the videotaped version seen here. Sometimes directors erroneously underestimate the comprehension abilities of the audience. In this case it seems the word “ween” was considered outside the vocabulary of the general audience even though it was a much smoother lyric.

[@dragons123ism]

Is it supposed to be Queen’s Navy or King’s Navy?

[@genesclean1]

What great elocution !!

[@Blue15bomber]

I really want a dvd of this!

[@peterdevita6308]

Saw the production at Stratford, June 2017.................. Like all G & S - LOTS OF FUN with great Songs/Arias full of beautiful melody/

[@2010Wilde]

So wish this interpretation of the show could transfer down here to Australia. So would love to see it!!

[@sylviahacker6695]

Love it!

[@Jamie_Pritchard]

Beautiful enunciation!

[@scotchwhisky6094]

Brilliant!

[@OriruBastard]

Well, this story has a valid point. Work hard, work dirty, get successful. Well, for some that is.

[@pnp072000]

The story is making fun of him. He's made mention multiple times that he was put into power by being a rich idiot that does as he's told. The play is making fun of blind nationalism.

[@OriruBastard]

@@pnp072000 And now he is a ruler of a king's navy. ♫

[@helenchelmicka7894]

Such brilliant satire! Brutal 😅😅

[@chriscann7627]

All the buffoons saying that the updating to 1917-18 is outrageous need to remember that until the outbreak of war in 1914, the D'Oyly Carte productions, including those directed by Gilbert in the Edwardian repertory seasons at the Savoy were set "in the present day". It was only when the opera was resdesigned in the 1920s that it was backdated to the C19th - indeed, backdated to circa 1850 (look at the crinolines they wore) - which is clearly against Gilbert's intent! Please do your research!

[@steerpike1359]

NONSENSE ! There are numerous references in lyrics, dialogue and plot that place the action in the 19th century. Read the libretto !

[@chriscann7627]

@@steerpike1359 Before sending patronising and ignorant replies, I could advise you to look at the surviving photographs of the 1908 repertory season production at the Savoy, DIRECTED BY WS GILBERT HIMSELF!!! It is quite clear from the costumes that the production was set "in the present day". If Gilbert was happy to set the opera in 1908, so am I.

[@miguelmartins9706]

The admiral is wearing an early 19th century uniform tho

[@chriscann7627]

@@miguelmartins9706 can I ask what you mean by "Admiral"? If you mean Sir Joseph Porter, then I am afraid you are missing the entire satire of the piece - Sir Joseph Porter is a civilian politician, who holds the government post of First Lord of the Admiralty, in effect, the Minister for the Navy. Gilbert is joking that the person in charge of the navy is a civilian with no naval background. In contrast to the civilian First Lord of the Admiralty, there is also the First Sea Lord, who IS an Admiral, and is the actual professional commanding officer of the Royal Navy. As to the costume worn by Sir Joseph Porter, it is not a naval uniform, but the official uniform of a cabinet minister, as worn at Court or on official engagements. It was very widely worn up until WW2, but has largely now declined. It can occasionally be seen - the Lord Chamberlain wears the red version at the State Opening of Parliament every year and the Cabinet Minister Sir Alan Duncan memorably wore court dress at the funeral of Baroness Thatcher.

[@miguelmartins9706]

@@chriscann7627 I wasn't aware of that, thank you for your information.

[@johnmccormack5677]

And the joke is this fellow really existed. He had no naval training whatsoever and was a First Lord of the Admiralty. And always voted at his party's call.

[@terrancemccracken5646]

And also successfully reformed the Royal Navy so it was a modern military organization. But yes, he had no naval experience.)

[@nfzed]

I think it was wh smith. His own prime minister referred to him as pinafore smith

[@webz3589]

This is as perfect as a non D'olye Carte version can be

[@pitchsd]

Love it. Bravo!

[@TheLibermania]

This story is 130 (?) years old... and still fits into politcs. It's kind of sad.

[@moo3oo3oo3]

Not like it's anything new. Corruption has been present since the dawn of civilization

[@TheLibermania]

@@moo3oo3oo3 True, but it's still sad.

[@billgale5568]

Try “you tube” .... “when trump was a lad” .... really good.

[@ericr.7311]

@@billgale5568 It's quite interesting!

[@nicopavvi8494]

Corruption was a problem even in ancient Greece...

[@gordengibson1]

I love it.

[@manmalone6417]

This is fucking awesome haha I want that ruler of the Kings navy hat

[@thedestroyerofcheese]

Bicorne Moment:

[@icreatedanaccountforthis1852]

Wonderful

[@terryb4972]

Laurie Murdoch is Sir Joseph Porter in "HMS Pinafore" Genius, the energy needed to perform this role with perfect diction and complex lines beggars belief.

[@ivesbomhower3372]

i watch this, and i keep thinking about sideshow bob lol

[@jameslower7350]

He polished the knob lol

[@gregturley35]

I saw that it was good!

[@terrancemccracken5646]

Why did they change the original lyric of "Queens' Navy" to "King's Navy?"

[@haydenfischer2453]

Terrance McCracken this production was set in 1917-1918 so it’s because there would have been a King of England at that time

[@eddihaskell]

I don't like it. This is a Victorian work, it should be Queen's Navy for all time

[@johntuffin3262]

Quite. The QUEEN’S Navee! God bless Her.

[@kaibroeking9968]

@@eddihaskell Oh, all the difference in the world to shift the story by 25 years. * rolleyes * I totally agree: Why can't people leave a good thing alone?

[@GataZGinkgo]

should things never change? should people not experiment? this story has been going on for well over 130 years, people should be welcome to changing it how they like - there's plenty of recordings that are true to the original, that you can easily watch instead. don't hold back innovation and experimentation solely for "traditions sake"

[@lezliewade8841]

That is the brilliant Laurie Murdoch from my production at The Stratford Festival.

[@DeltaZetaHouse]

Thank you for singing Navy not Nahvee. :) Please list his name in the video notes.

[@cefyu972]

When can i find the full HSM PINAFORE Stratford Festival 2017 ??

[@lezliewade8841]

You can make an appointment to see it at the Stratford Archives.

[@mashamasha3315]

So funny and true at the same time)

[@georgethompson606]

My favorite rendition by far.

[@MatthewBluefox]

Is the full play available, too? Greetings from Switzerland. :)

[@SiiriRebane]

now THIS is the song Harris imagined he can sing in Three Men in a Boat (to Say Nothing of the Dog)! he was wrong, according to his friends Jerome and George.

[@Yaitzboy]

Suite life of Zach and Cody brought me here

[@Stoller999]

Is it possible to buy a copy of the full video performance ?

[@stratfordfestival]

We're sorry to say we don't have a complete recording of this production available. We're glad you enjoyed the clip!

[@barbarabrownell4510]

@@stratfordfestival So you redid it. I remember (and have VHS) of the previous time.

[@davida5296]

The lyrics are slightly different than other versions.. which is right?

[@hot-sauce.mp4346]

1:08 though!

[@jantheman4242]

Looks like something Mr. Bean would do

[@Er1c_9]

That’s me whenever I’m told I have homework due😂

[@chriswhitesidembe6756]

Obviously this production was meant to be set at a time when there was a King on the throne rather than the time the opera originally came out in Queen Victoria's reign, or when this was performed during that of Queen Elizabeth the second. I've never previously heard it sung with "King's navy" rather than "Queen's navy." Anyone know what the rationale was for that or what date the events in the opera were supposedly taking place?

[@iankennedy6945]

I'm not sure, but after the passing of Her Majesty, this version may become the norm.

[@itaintalfot]

@@iankennedy6945 I don't think this should become the norm. WH Smith was of a time when there was a Queen.

[@Ettibridget]

So funny, I came here from the danish version of this.😊

[@nicksieben9315]

Where is this

[@nhmooytis7058]

You can see where Python got their inspiration for the Lumberjack Song ;).

[@kennethwayne6857]

Also Mozart's La ci darem la mano from 'Don Giovanni' (sing it at a jaunty tempo).

[@multitrackjake8698]

@@kennethwayne6857 Don Giovanni was written about 100 years before HMS pinafore. I don't really understand the point you're making.

[@kennethwayne6857]

@@multitrackjake8698 Only that Python's Lumberjack Song is essentially the 'Don Giovanni' duet. Nothing to do with Pinafore. Also the Pirate King's solo became 'I'm Popeye the Sailor Man'.

[@multitrackjake8698]

@@kennethwayne6857 Ha oh yes you're right that the melody is almost the same!

[@cefyu972]

When can i get the complete video ?

[@stratfordfestival]

We're sorry to say we won't be streaming our full production of HMS Pinafore. Our online film festival features 12 Shakespeare plays, and continues this Thursday with Timon of Athens.

[@cefyu972]

@@stratfordfestival oh ok , thank you, i saw on KZbin the complete show exist , but i prefer to see this with your actors... Thank you :)

[@k9woof219]

Apart from the obvious change from Queen's Navy to King's Navy they also change 'Pocket borough' (meaning a parliamentary constituency with little population serving only to send someone to parliament) to 'wealthy member'

[@lezliewade8841]

Because with the brilliant exception of you, no one probably would have known what that was. The audience would have been stuck trying to figure it out and missed the rest of the patter song.

[@halk3]

Reminds me of "Rear Admiral" Dick Levine.

[@michaellivingston4912]

Wasn’t it the Queen’s Navy (Victoria)?

[@matthewlaurence3121]

The women’s attire is Edwardian, circa.1905-1914, so updated a little. Still works; Gilbert himself directed this play in Edwardian times, shortly before his passing in 1913. It could potentially work, up to maybe 1940. The Office of Sea Lord was abolished by Prince Phillip in 1964, if my memory can be trusted.

[@jarredsmith7375]

Who played the ruler?

[@stratfordfestival]

That's Laurie Murdoch as the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter!

[@notevenmyaccount]

When is this set?

[@Norfolkgal22]

charlesxorz HMS Pinafore was first performed in 1878 and I guess at that time it was set in present day. So later productions are generally set it in the late 19th/early 20th century? In this they’re talking about ‘the kings navy’ so this would definitely be set in the 20th century...

[@Charliecomet82]

How to become "The Most Qualified Candidate Ever."

[@SAILOREARTH89]

Cape Feare

[@paulcollis7651]

Think it's been changed to King's navy as Captains uniform appears to be type worn under edward vii or George v. Just an idea

[@leahhayes9140]

Anyone here because of the suite life of Zack and Cody?

[@spongebakesquarepansgaming]

no i didn't know that they did that

[@Er1c_9]

Yes🤣 I thought the song was catchy when I heard it in the episode “Lip syncing in the rain”and I’m so happy I found it!

[@lydiapinnell1124]

ME

[@Yaitzboy]

Yep. My childhood. Cody’s rendition was just beautiful I’m just tearing up thinking about it.

[@fredo1070]

The Rachel Levine story.

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

What is his name? Wonderful rendition

[@lezliewade8841]

Laurie Murdoch.

[@dnardi11]

Too bad that Closed Captions was not proofread; viz, "Clark" instead of "clerk" and so on.

[@ARCtheCartoonMaster]

Is that... the scratchy Clark from the Dizzy Mutt?

[@sirruadhri3316]

Funnily enough, he actually looks like King William IV who was the King of Britain during the time period that I believe this is set

[@matthewlaurence3121]

The ladies customers places it in the Edwardian Era, circa.1900-1914.

[@sirruadhri3316]

@@matthewlaurence3121 In this depiction I would agree, it's just the actor singing reminds me of William IV

[@matthewlaurence3121]

He does a little! :) King William IV, funnily enough was an admiral in the Royal Navy. I believe he was the first Rear Admiral; never expected to ascend the throne. Jury is still out on whether he was a good king?

[@sirruadhri3316]

@@matthewlaurence3121 I believe when he was a lad he got in a brawl with some of the other sailors and was thrown behind bars as a result, but since he was a royal, he got out, due to events such as these, he was known as Silly Billy

[@franciserdman]

Maybe it is Mandela Effect here but I remember this song as being "Queen's Navy" not "King's Navy" lol

[@ARCtheCartoonMaster]

Nope, it's always been "Queen's Navy" - this version takes place in the Edwardian era.

[@danieljohnrice2596]

I like the old one better. The one with his sister, cousin and aunt.

[@jmw939]

I can really picture Matt Lucas singing this..

[@jonathangair8031]

Imagine a nation that did not take themselves so seriously as to avoid being the butt of a joke. Or is it? Godbless the UK.

[@SEGASAGE]

No Ipswich witch?

[@rh2577]

I think that's just an Australian interpretation of HMS Pinafore, I believe the Ipswich Witch refers to an Australian politician.

[@terencemichaels]

@@rh2577 I'm from the English Ipswich and i'm sure you are right: it amused but confused me as I knew of nothing to suggest the reference for or in Ipswich, Suffolk. Still, I like the Australian version best as it's a great line and the rest of the act is the funniest i've seen.

[@frankney8284]

It refers to a female Australian politician who ran, and was elected, on a platform of closing off immigration.

[@johnmccormack5677]

It is the best. But I thunked it was the Queens Navy. But it's like dat in dem furreign playsess wear dey don'ts evin spekes inglush rite.

[@keetard]

This production sets the time in Edwardian Era, where Edward II rules England.

[@EVITANDY]

Why change the words so they mean exactly the same thing, but no longer scan?

[@lezliewade8841]

oh, they scan. I'm a graduate of the BMI workshop. They scan.

[@EVITANDY]

@@lezliewade8841 I am humbled by your superior knowledge. Seriously though. Listen to Gilbert's original. This is so close, it doesn't make the slightest sense to change the lyrics. And when you compare like for like, you will see that where this DOES scan, is Gilbert, and where there are too many words crammed in, it isn't. All I can think, is that the performer didn't learn the libretto properly, and concluded "That'll do - it's only Gilbert & Sullivan" This makes very little sense.

[@lezliewade8841]

@@EVITANDY that's very possible. I'll have to check my notes from when we rehearsed it. I very much appreciate your thoughts and your very respectful reply. thanks

[@Max_m]

Confusing why they decided to change the songs words, was perfectly fine as it was. Good voice though

[@sadkrebssdownfallparody2327]

2:21 Boris Johnson ?

[@Coldstreamer17]

It’s the queens navy, not the kings navy!!

[@multitrackjake8698]

They changed some other words too! I don't really understand why.

[@LocutusBorgOf]

@@multitrackjake8698 Maybe they went for a different setting in time, more Edwardian than Victorian

[@torresinfesta643]

I believe this interpretation is based in early XXth century (pre WW1)- when Edward VII was king

[@Pattipat1000]

And Rap started...lol

[@superancientmariner1394]

This song is based on a true case, and resulted in legal action against the authors. I have never heard it sung as "Kings Navy".....and there are some very modern badges on the sailors suits....including one for combined ops.

[@SloveneAnon]

I think that in this production they set the play during ww1 when the UK did have a king

[@danoneillemail]

Rishi Sunak?

[@LGranthamsHeir]

Penny Mordaunt (who likes to wear Navy officer's uniform despite not being a Naval officer) would be a nice contemporary example 😉

[@abesapien9930]

That girl second to the left at 1:05 is a quite the cute mink!

[@antoninoskomnenos1022]

Pinky and the Brain brought me here.

[@kyanhowe8777]

Why’re they saying King’s navy

[@redshuttleredacted6422]

Anthem of all incompetent people holding important positions...

[@ShangZilla]

Dawkins has gone into acting?

[@jamesconnolly5164]

This was written in the Victorian era, so it should be queen's navy.

[@lezliewade8841]

It was changed to take place during WW1

[@lydiapinnell1124]

No one is talking about the suite life of zack and Cody and I’m disappointed

[@ABC_DEF]

Well sung, but the words are wrong and there isn't a full orchestra.

[@moshill1374]

He looks like trump ;-;

[@adamkurowski1934]

There's a version of "When I Was a Lad" about Trump ;)

[@ivanrorick]

I've seen that, it's great. They need to do a Hillary Clinton one too, that would rule. ("I put up with Bill's infidelity and now I am the Democratic nominee" "I had never lived in New York before but somehow became its Senator" etc. etc.)

[@brookenjonas]

Trevor Shillington I saw this production live and that’s what everyone I saw it with thought lol

[@lezliewade8841]

Good eye. He was supposed to.

[@carolusrex8488]

Why is he wearig that outfit in 1918? way outdated for that time

[@kyanhowe8777]

The opera is originally set in 1878

[@MrCuddlyable3]

The lyric deviations are irritating, particularly losing Gilbert's reference to the QUEEN (Victoria)'s navy, not the King's. That change ruins the whole topicality of the ruler of the navy never having gone to sea.

[@lezliewade8841]

I think the point is that this blowhard having done nothing more than polish handles, smile blandly at the rich and kiss asses has learned the proper way to get promoted.

[@serapidus]

It was the QUEEN'S NAVY -Queen Victoria was ruler when Gilbert and Sullivan wrote Hms Pinafore. Why the change? Now 2023, it's correct but I prefer the original version

[@MrTommylew1]

Sideshow Bob did it better

[@macrae6135]

lol terrible

[@ianbond3885]

Why is it that Stratford always has to bastardise the lyrics/dialogue and reorchestrate? Do these classics not stand apart? For goodness sake, leave these remarkable operas alone. If you can't perform them as written, then don't perform them at all.

[@albertweir5070]

if your going to sing that aria make sure you get the words right this was disgusting.

[@reighfreuden6473]

you're*

[@lastbreathsigh]

i think they "modernised" it ... I can understand the omission of "I ween", which is heavily outdated, but "sent by a wealthy member into parl-ee-a-ment" made no sense

[@jrimpau]

I agree, Albert Weir. I learned the lyrics of this and other Pinafore songs when I was a lass (pun intended) listening to my grandparents' record albums. It drives me nuts when the words are changed, because I'm singing along in my head. It's like a speed bump in my thought process.

[@49metal]

Such a pity. Why? So they can put it under copyright, I suppose? People are dreadful.

[@darbyzworld]

@@49metal What is dreadful is this weak production. No one understood the dialogue, humor, plot or music.......strike another one up for Junior High School productions and making the gym teach the director. . . . . . . . .

[@karldelavigne8134]

I do find this messing about with Gilbert's lyrics wholly unnecessary and silly. A pretty dull performance too, staccato and without characterisation.