A group of pirates cheering against a big illustration of a ship.

The Pirates of Penzance Gilbert & Sullivan

  • Musical Theatre
  • Opera
  • Opera Australia
  • Joan Sutherland Theatre
  • Run time: 130 minutes, including 1 interval Subject to change
  • Seating map

Oh it is a glorious thing, to be a pirate king!

Gilbert and Sullivan’s side-splitting, swashbuckling, sparkling operetta is sailing into the Sydney Opera House for the first time in almost two decades.

An uproarious romp of clever wordplay, rollicking rhythms and sensational tunes, this feel-good masterpiece is a treasure chest of delights. When earnest young Frederic falls head over keel in love with Mabel, he tries to help her father (a very modern Major General) defeat the band of pirates he once called shipmates.

This colourful, camp, classic production doesn’t miss a beat, with an all-star cast of comic talents wringing every last laugh out of the pretty, witty score.

Featuring the toe-tapping, tongue-twisting hit I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General and the irresistible classic I am a Pirate King!, the music is jam-packed with Gilbert and Sullivan’s trademark wit and warmth.

Originally produced by Opera Australia. This season is presented in association with Victorian Opera.

Event details

Cast and creatives

Conductor James Pratt
Director Stuart Maunder
Set Designer Richard Roberts
Costume Designer Roger Kirk
Lighting Designer Trudy Dalgleish
Sound Designer Michael Waters
Choreographer Elizabeth Hill-Cooper

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Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Joan Sutherland Theatre

The Joan Sutherland Theatre is located at the northern side of the foyer, to the left hand side of the stairs leading to the Concert Hall. Best accessed through the covered concourse. All Sydney Opera House foyers are accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators).

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