The Pirates of Penzance is a light comedy opera by Gilbert and Sullivan and the most frequently played of all their plays . The show premiered at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York in 1879. It was an instant success with both audiences and critics. The very first London production was shown at the Opera Comique in April 1880. There have been numerous modernised productions of The Pirates of Penzance since then, including Joseph Papp's 1981 production on Broadway and even a film adaptation in 1983.
The cast contains hopelessly kind hearted pirates, beautiful maidens and a team of useless but lovable cops. The unbelievable plot contains a chain of ridiculous 'mistakes' which turn lives totally upside down.
The major role of the plot is a lad called Frederic, who at 21 years old is a reluctant apprentice pirate due to a hard of hearing nursemaid called Ruth. Whilst celebrating his 21st birthday, drinking sherry on the rocky seashore with his pirate buddies, Frederic tells them that he intends to leave them. Their maid, Ruth explains that as Frederic's former nursemaid when he was a young boy, she was told by his Father to have him apprenticed to a ships pilot, but regrettably in error, thought she heard 'pirate'.
Frederic appeals to the pirate king and his crew to leave with him to pursue a more decent life, however he is unsuccessful. Prior to leaving, Frederic gives the pirates some tips and pointers to help them to be more prosperous and avoid getting beaten so regularly. He tells them that everyone they capture claims to be an orphan as it is well known that as orphans themselves, the pirates will invariably release them.
Frederic leaves with Ruth in tow, she loves Frederic and is desperate to marry him so she convinces him that she is a very beautiful woman. Frederic knows no other female's face, having spent most of his years out at sea, so he believes she is being honest. Ruth's deception does not last long due to the appearance of some beautiful young maidens. Frederic realises that Ruth is 'plain and old' and Ruth leaves in utter despair. When Frederic approaches the group to alert them to the fact that there are pirates close by, he falls instantly in love with one particular maiden called Mabel.
At this point, Ruth returns with the pirate king to tell Frederic that he has not finished his apprenticeship and cannot leave The apprenticeship clearly states that Frederic can only leave once he has reached his 21st birthday, but being born on the 29th of February he only technically has a birthday every leap year. Meaning Frederic has to spend 63 more years with the pirates before he will be able to leave ! Mabel promises she will be faithful and wait for Frederic. His sense of duty makes him feel he has no choice but to return.
A great introduction to light opera, the Pirates of Penzance is a funny comedy opera and a great classic. It remains as popular with audiences these days as it was a century ago.
The cast contains hopelessly kind hearted pirates, beautiful maidens and a team of useless but lovable cops. The unbelievable plot contains a chain of ridiculous 'mistakes' which turn lives totally upside down.
The major role of the plot is a lad called Frederic, who at 21 years old is a reluctant apprentice pirate due to a hard of hearing nursemaid called Ruth. Whilst celebrating his 21st birthday, drinking sherry on the rocky seashore with his pirate buddies, Frederic tells them that he intends to leave them. Their maid, Ruth explains that as Frederic's former nursemaid when he was a young boy, she was told by his Father to have him apprenticed to a ships pilot, but regrettably in error, thought she heard 'pirate'.
Frederic appeals to the pirate king and his crew to leave with him to pursue a more decent life, however he is unsuccessful. Prior to leaving, Frederic gives the pirates some tips and pointers to help them to be more prosperous and avoid getting beaten so regularly. He tells them that everyone they capture claims to be an orphan as it is well known that as orphans themselves, the pirates will invariably release them.
Frederic leaves with Ruth in tow, she loves Frederic and is desperate to marry him so she convinces him that she is a very beautiful woman. Frederic knows no other female's face, having spent most of his years out at sea, so he believes she is being honest. Ruth's deception does not last long due to the appearance of some beautiful young maidens. Frederic realises that Ruth is 'plain and old' and Ruth leaves in utter despair. When Frederic approaches the group to alert them to the fact that there are pirates close by, he falls instantly in love with one particular maiden called Mabel.
At this point, Ruth returns with the pirate king to tell Frederic that he has not finished his apprenticeship and cannot leave The apprenticeship clearly states that Frederic can only leave once he has reached his 21st birthday, but being born on the 29th of February he only technically has a birthday every leap year. Meaning Frederic has to spend 63 more years with the pirates before he will be able to leave ! Mabel promises she will be faithful and wait for Frederic. His sense of duty makes him feel he has no choice but to return.
A great introduction to light opera, the Pirates of Penzance is a funny comedy opera and a great classic. It remains as popular with audiences these days as it was a century ago.
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Venton Vean is a newly restored Bed and Breakfast Penzance 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. Penzance Bed and Breakfast.
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