Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Pirates of Penzance'

Illyria perform this Gilbert and Sullivan classic on the outdoor ruins at Norton Priory Museum.

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 actor/singers with fully orchestrated accompaniment, The Pirates of Penzance boasts such gloriously memorable songs as To be a Pirate King!, I am the Very Model of a 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. 

Running time: 120-minutes (approx.), including a 20-minute interval. 

Recommended for all ages. 

Cancellation in dangerous weather only when performances will be rescheduled. Tickets are non-refundable. 

About Illyira: Illyria’s mission is simple: to create outstandingly enjoyable theatre and make it available for everyone. Illyria has been pursuing this mission for over thirty years, performed for more than a million people, and intend to entertain families across the country for many seasons to come.