The Pirates of Penzance Opera Image | ENO 24/25
Gilbert & Sullivan

The Pirates of Penzance

Swash-buckling, plank-walking, toe-tapping fun.

24 Jan–21 Feb 2025

Batten down the hatches. Strike the colours. The pirates are back. The ENO’s smash-hit production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s swashbuckling farce returns shortly – and is set to get audiences toe-tapping along all over again.

With its witty dialogue, memorable melodies and more, The Pirates of Penzance opera is a timeless classic not to be missed. Book tickets to join us live at the London Coliseum in 2024/25 for an evening of laughter and musical delight! 

Overview

With its splendidly silly storyline, wild wordplay and well-loved songs, this Mike Leigh-created production of The Pirates of Penzance is irresistibly feel-good. An apprentice pirate woos the Major General’s daughter, while his bungling buccaneer-shipmates try to outwit an equally inept party of policemen. Its vibrant staging brings out the sunshine in the story.

Read the story of The Pirates of Penzance

Score

The Pirates of Penzance is one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most popular operas and contains some of their most memorable melodies. These include ‘I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General’, ‘A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One’ and ‘With Cat-like Tread’.

Singers & Creatives

This revival is directed by Sarah Tipple and conducted by Natalie Murray Beale. G&S favourites and ENO regulars Richard Suart and John Savournin are the Major General and the Pirate King respectively. Meanwhile, ENO Harewood Artist Isabelle Peters sings the role of Mabel, and former Harewood artist William Morgan is Frederic.

Co-production with Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and the Saarländische Staatstheater Saarbrücken.

The role of Mabel, performed by Isabelle Peters, is generously supported by Graham Brookman. The role of Edith, performed by Bethan Langford, is generously supported by Alexandra Jupin and John Bean. The role of Major-General Stanley, performed by Richard Suart, is generously supported by Kathryn Uhde. The role of Kate, performed by Anna Elizabeth Cooper, is generously supported by Philip Carne MBE and Christine Carne.

'exuberant family fun...an audience rocking with laughter'

The Times

'...bold, bright and inviting...'

London Standard

'ENO’s sparkling Mike Leigh revival lets young voices shine'

The Telegraph

'gloriously ridiculous period costumes, an outstanding cast and an abstract set'

Broadway World

Running Time
2hrs 15mins

There is one interval.

Tickets
Tickets start at just £10 plus £3.75 booking fee and £1.50 building levy per ticket. A maximum of £10.50 per transaction is charged.
Language
Sung in English, with subtitles projected above the stage

Age Guidance: 5+

For more information, please contact our box office on 020 7845 9300 or [email protected]

  • Good availability
  • Selling fast
  • Limited tickets
  • Sold out
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Small plates at the London Coliseum

Enhance your opera experience

Join us before the show for classic Italian ‘cicchetti’ and Spanish tapas, followed by dessert during the interval.

Book now

Discover The Pirates of Penzance

The Pirates of Penzance Creative Team 2024/25

The Pirates of Penzance Cast 2024/25

The Pirates of Penzance FAQs

The length of an ENO performance of The Pirates of Penzance is approximately 2hrs 15mins, including one interval. 

Yes, The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, filled with humorous situations, witty dialogue and playful songs which make it a delight to watch live on stage. Learn more about the different opera genres in our guide. 

The Pirates of Penzance is popular because of its timeless humour, memorable music and engaging characters. The witty dialogue and satirical elements keep audiences entertained, while the catchy songs and relatable themes make it a classic opera that continues to excite audiences nearly 145 years later! 

While it shares some similarities with musicals, such as catchy tunes and funny dialogue, The Pirates of Penzance is traditionally classified as an opera (specifically an operetta). This is due to its musical structure, operatic vocal techniques, characteristic libretto and performance staging in opera houses. Read our beginner’s guide to operetta for more information. 

Our suggested age guidance for The Pirates of Penzance is 5+. While the opera contains some references to alcohol misuse and mild violence, it is suitable for younger audience members. Alternatively, this season’s production of The Elixir of Love is also rated appropriate for those aged 5+. Find our full production guidance for 2024/25 here.