Illyria: the Pirates of Penzance

Frederick, accidentally apprenticed to Pirates as a child, is indentured to the Pirate King until his 21st birthday. On the day he reaches 21 he leaves the ship, announcing that he now intends to dedicate his life to the Pirates’ destruction. The Pirate King checks the contract’s small print – and realises that as Frederick’s birthday is 29th February on a leap year he has only had four birthdays and is actually indentured for another 63 years. With only the Penzance constabulary to protect him, will Frederick be forced to serve the pirates until he is 84? And will his sweetheart, Mabel, wait for him that long?

Performed by a six-strong cast of actors/singers with fully orchestrated accompaniment, The Pirates of Penzance boasts such gloriously memorable songs as “To be a Pirate King!”; “Modern Major General” and “A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One”. With razor-sharp satire and glittering wit, it remains as fresh as if it had been written today.

This performance will be outdoors at the E.C.O.S. Amphitheatre. Please bring blankets, cushions, and chairs. We welcome picnics, but please buy drinks from our bar. In the event of bad weather, this event will move inside.

Running time: 120 minutes including interval
Recommended: All ages
Tickets: £20 | Child: £10 | Students and those claiming financial assistance: £14
Registered carers go free