ESSGEE’S Pirates of Penzance

A rollicking band of pirates we! Performed by Horsham Arts Council, the region’s premier amateur musical theatre organisation with a live orchestra, we invite you to come along and pour oh pour the pirate sherry!  The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera in two acts, with Essgee’s modern adaptation of the original music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert.

Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, falls head-over-heels in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a snag. Born on 29 February, Frederic discovers that he is technically still a youngster. Although very much in love, his dedication to duty is unshakeable.

Essgee’s unique brand of Gilbert and Sullivan first stormed across Australia in 1994 with an adaptation that has more laughs and a more modern sound than traditional versions. The most beautiful arias remain untouched – but the chorus numbers could be described as “poperetta”. This comic opera is packed full of sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures, and improbable paradoxes. This production is pure musical theatre with pantomime elements. Arrrrgh!