“With every production there is clearly a scene-stealer, in some cases a show-stealer. The distinction this time belongs to Laurie Murdoch, offering up an intoxicating mix of broad and subtle humour, song and dance, personal sound effects and a stage presence that draws attention to his marvelous characterization of the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty.
Performing a deft juggling act that shifts moment to moment from arrogance and utter bewilderment to shades of both lucidity and lunacy, he is a marvel to behold as he sings “thought so little, they rewarded me by making me the Ruler of the Queen’s Navy” Gilbert’s cheerfully insightful take on the absurdity of the ruling class of the time.”