One of the most frequently played Gilbert and Sullivan opera's is The Pirates of Penzance, a light comedy opera. The official premiere of the show was at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York in 1879. It was an instant success with both audiences and critics. The first London production was on the 3rd April 1880 in the Opera Comique. Amongst many modernised productions of the play since then was Joseph Papps 1981 production on Broadway in 1981 which won several awards.
Within the cast you will find hopelessly good hearted pirates, pretty maidens and a bunch of hopeless but lovely policemen. Throughout the plot, a number of daft mistakes occur , turning lives upside down.
The principal part of the plot is a well meaning lad called Frederic, who at 21 years old is a rather reluctant apprentice pirate because of a slightly deaf nursemaid called Ruth. Frederic is standing on the rocky shore with the Pirates of Penzance, drinking sherry in celebration of his 21st Birthday when he informs them that he is leaving them. Ruth, the ships maid, explains that as Frederic's former nursemaid, she made a terrible error. She misheard Frederic's Father when he instructed her to apprentice him to a ships pilot due to her poor hearing and accidentally apprenticed him to a pirate.
Frederic attempts to persuade the pirate king and his crew to leave with him and follow a more honourable existence but the pirate king is not interested. Prior to parting company, Frederic gives the pirates some tips and ideas to help them to be a little more prosperous and avoid getting beaten so frequently. One important piece of advice is to not necessarily believe everyone who claims to be an orphan is telling the truth as their weakness for orphans is common knowledge.
Ruth is determined to wed Frederic and having left the pirates, she manages to convince Frederic that she is very beautiful. Frederic knows no other female's face, having spent most of his years out at sea, so he believes she is being honest. At that point, a group of beautiful maidens approach and Ruth's deception is exposed. He turns to Ruth and says "You told me you were fair as gold and now I see you're plain and old." In total desperation, Ruth departs. Frederic approaches the pretty maidens to warn them that there are pirates in the area. He and one of the maidens called Mabel, fall instantly in love.
Soon after this, the pirate kink returns, accompanied by Ruth to inform Frederic that he cannot in fact leave them. His apprenticeship clearly states that Frederic can only leave once he has reached the age of 21, but because he was born on the 29th of February he only technically has a birthday every leap year. So Frederic has to return to the pirates for 63 more years ! This is terrible news for Frederic. But he has an extremely strong sense of duty which makes him believe he has no choice. Mabel who is smitten, promises that she will wait for him!
This classic is a fabulous entry to opera and has successfully stood the test of time. It has remained a hit with people for in excess of 130 years.
Within the cast you will find hopelessly good hearted pirates, pretty maidens and a bunch of hopeless but lovely policemen. Throughout the plot, a number of daft mistakes occur , turning lives upside down.
The principal part of the plot is a well meaning lad called Frederic, who at 21 years old is a rather reluctant apprentice pirate because of a slightly deaf nursemaid called Ruth. Frederic is standing on the rocky shore with the Pirates of Penzance, drinking sherry in celebration of his 21st Birthday when he informs them that he is leaving them. Ruth, the ships maid, explains that as Frederic's former nursemaid, she made a terrible error. She misheard Frederic's Father when he instructed her to apprentice him to a ships pilot due to her poor hearing and accidentally apprenticed him to a pirate.
Frederic attempts to persuade the pirate king and his crew to leave with him and follow a more honourable existence but the pirate king is not interested. Prior to parting company, Frederic gives the pirates some tips and ideas to help them to be a little more prosperous and avoid getting beaten so frequently. One important piece of advice is to not necessarily believe everyone who claims to be an orphan is telling the truth as their weakness for orphans is common knowledge.
Ruth is determined to wed Frederic and having left the pirates, she manages to convince Frederic that she is very beautiful. Frederic knows no other female's face, having spent most of his years out at sea, so he believes she is being honest. At that point, a group of beautiful maidens approach and Ruth's deception is exposed. He turns to Ruth and says "You told me you were fair as gold and now I see you're plain and old." In total desperation, Ruth departs. Frederic approaches the pretty maidens to warn them that there are pirates in the area. He and one of the maidens called Mabel, fall instantly in love.
Soon after this, the pirate kink returns, accompanied by Ruth to inform Frederic that he cannot in fact leave them. His apprenticeship clearly states that Frederic can only leave once he has reached the age of 21, but because he was born on the 29th of February he only technically has a birthday every leap year. So Frederic has to return to the pirates for 63 more years ! This is terrible news for Frederic. But he has an extremely strong sense of duty which makes him believe he has no choice. Mabel who is smitten, promises that she will wait for him!
This classic is a fabulous entry to opera and has successfully stood the test of time. It has remained a hit with people for in excess of 130 years.
About the Author:
Venton Vean is a newly restored Penzance Bed and Breakfast situated in the Penzance Conservation Area, overlooking Penlee Park and located just minutes' walk from the seafront and town centre. With eclectically furnished bedrooms combining period features with modern art and design, together with a passion for good food, we aim to offer you a unique, comfortable and relaxing stay. Bed and Breakfast Penzance.