The G&S For All Pinafore (1972)

Cast
Sir Joseph PorterJohn Cartier
Captain CorcoranMichael Wakeham
Ralph RackstrawThomas Round
Dick DeadeyeDonald Adams
Bill BobstayLawrence Richard
Bob BecketJohn Banks
JosephineValerie Masterson
Little ButtercupHelen Landis
HebeVera Ryan

G&S Festival Chorus & Orchestra
Conductor: Peter Murray
Film Director: John Seabourne, Jr.

Sounds on CD VGS 238
Sounds on CD VGS 238
Album Cover
Pye NSPH-9

This is an abridged recording, with a companion film, made by Gilbert & Sullivan For All, the concert touring group formed by Thomas Round and Donald Adams. Most of the cast had D'Oyly Carte experience, though several of them (Cartier, Wakeham, Banks) only in small parts. Cartier, for example, was John Reed's understudy for many years. Valerie Masterson, on the other hand, was a bona fide star with the Company, and her presence enhances these recordings immensely. Helen Landis seems to have had no D'Oyly Carte experience, but she was the contralto of choice on all of these G&S For All sets.

The film has been re-issued on video by Musical Collectables. It is an adequate performance, with Valerie Masterson's Josephine being the defining highlight. Unfortunately, the transfer is so poor that only the most dedicated fans will find it tolerable.

Issue History
DateLabelFormatNumberComments
1972 BASF Stereo LP BUK 17 25136-5  
1972 Pye/PTE Stereo LP 3454
NSPH 9
1975 PRT Stereo LP WGAS 6753 with Pirates
Cassette ZCGS 6753
1979 Murray Hill Stereo LP 974193/8 Boxed set called "Greatest Operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan," eight discs comprising the entire Gilbert and Sullivan For All output
1979 Murray Hill Stereo LP/
Cassette
974193/8 Boxed set called "Greatest Operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan," eight discs comprising the entire Gilbert and Sullivan For All output. Apparently available under the same catalog number on both LP and cassette.
2002 Sounds on CD CD VGS 238 Also includes Cox and Box and Trial by Jury