WS Gilbert's libretto on ignorant sea lords combines with Arthur Sullivan 's memorable melodies in one of the duo's most enduring creations, HMS Pinafore. Charles Mackerras is at the helm and also conducts his own ballet Pineapple Poll, based on another of Gilbert's naval satires, with a re-orchestration of Sullivan's music. A cast of leading British artists take centre stage, including Richard Suart , Felicity Palmer and Sally Matthews , plus the Maida Vale Singers, the BBC Orchestra, and narration by Tim Brooke-Taylor . Alan Titchmarsh introduces the performance, recorded last month at London's Royal Albert Hall. Director Francesca Kemp ; Series editor Oliver Macfarlane