It often seems as if John Doyle, the Watermill's artistic director, can do no wrong with his new look at old classics. His production of Sweeney Todd is currently in London's West End, and he has a shelf-full of awards for his ingenious actor-musician productions. But Doyle comes a cropper with this loose interpretation of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, transposed to the second world war and afloat on the high seas of memory and nostalgia.
On a mythical ship, supposedly sailing the world to entertain the troops, a very small big band is living out its traumas through its music. Jenny Wren is being pursued by a fresh-faced young American, Jack, as well as an uptight, Cowardish and cowardly Englishman, Joe. She must choose between the two with a little help from the hard-bitten Butterfly Sisters and no help at all from her father, the band captain, who is fearful that she might marry a Yank and keeps saying: "It's this damn war."
The big-band sound is delightful and the actor-musicians talented and engaging. Some of the numbers, such as the Lindy Hop, are great fun, despite a tiny space that makes for a rather static staging. Others, such as the Honourable Joseph's introduction to himself, have real wit - the song incorporates the titles of Noël Coward's plays and films. But the concept is forced, and the result is so flimsy and lacking in drama that you begin to wonder why they didn't just put on a concert and make no pretence to a dramatic narrative.
Those who still remember the second world war may well enjoy the period references and the mixture of nostalgia with an added dollop of syrup. But unless you are an aficionado of swing, don't make this a port of call.
· Until September 11. Box office: 01635 45834.
