Outdoor Theatre on the Millennium Green
The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan
This summer Illyria theatre company delivers yet another first for the UK open-air touring theatre circuit: Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic tale of romance between a pirate and the daughter of a major general.
Frederick, apprenticed to the Pirates since a child, reaches the age of 21 and announces to the Pirate King that it is his duty leave them, to seek his fortune in a more wholesome way than piracy, and to kill them if he should ever see them again. He reaches land and encounters Major Stanley’s beautiful daughters, falling in love with Mabel, the most beautiful of them. But then he learns that he was born on 29th February, and that he is contracted to the Pirate King until his 21st Birthday, not his 21st year…
First performed on 31 December 1879, the hilarious melodrama, sharp satire and glittering wit of “The Pirates of Penzance” make it as fresh as though it had been written today. Packed with laughter, romance and a galleon-full of memorable songs such as “To be a Pirate King!”; “Modern Major General” and “A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One”, this wonderful classic gets the complete Illyria treatment. It is faithfully performed by a reduced cast of highly talented actor-musicians and accompanied by a Musical Director.
Marketing Manager Lisa Wilcock said “We’re thrilled that Illyria are returning to Bridport. The Millennium green proved to be the perfect location for Twelfth Night earlier in the month and we’re looking forward to another wonderful evening”.
The Millennium Green, Bridport. Bring, chairs, rugs and a picnic. Wednesday 24 August, 7pm. £14/£12 members/£8 concs./£40 family.
