The Pirates of Penzance

Find tickets
Limited Season Just announced!
The Pirates of Penzance
Show promotional image

Runtime

2hr and 20mins including interval

Age Recommendation

8 years and over.

For the first time ever, Hayes Theatre Co brings one of its landmark productions to the Foundry Theatre stage.

After a sold-out extended season at Hayes in 2025, plus stops in Wyong, Wollongong and Canberra, Hayes Theatre Co Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer will raise the Jolly Roger once again as they revive their acclaimed version of The Pirates of Penzance.

Madcap, hilarious, and bursting with invention, Carroll’s sparkling new adaptation harnesses the irreverent, genre-busting spirit of Gilbert & Sullivan’s sprawling satirical masterwork and launches it into the 21st century with raucous new life.

And the wildest part? Just five actors play every role.

Original cast members Jay Laga’aia (The Pirate King and others), Brittanie Shipway (Ruth and Mabel!), and Maxwell Simon (Frederic) return to the motley pirate crew once again, joined by new recruits Sarah Murr and Tana Laga’aia.

Together, this fearless ensemble conjures a world of Pirates, Lovers, Sisters, Major-Generals, and many, many more. Transforming in an instant, as costumes, voices and characters fly past at breakneck speed, it’s a breathtaking theatrical feat, with no safety net and truly “all hands on deck”.

A “riotous example” of Carroll and Falconer’s famous “What if?” approach to theatre-making, the production was hailed by The Sydney Morning Herald as “a stroke of hilarious genius.”

This is Gilbert & Sullivan like you’ve never seen it before: a full throttle tour de force, as five wildly outnumbered actors (swash) buckle up for an epic voyage. The original mega-musical - Re-wired. Re-booted. Re-DUCED!

 

Brave enough to sit with the pirates? Onstage seating puts you right in the action.

Start your adventure on a Tuesday - the friendliest night to try something new.

 

Pirates of Penzance was developed and presented in association with The Art House Wyong in 2025

Showtimes for The Pirates of Penzance

View more dates
Tue 12 May
Wed 13 May
Sun 17 May
Tue 19 May
Thu 21 May
Fri 22 May
Sun 24 May
Tue 26 May
Thu 28 May
Fri 29 May
Sun 31 May
View all dates
“A practically perfect Pirates experience”
TIME OUT
“Packs no shortage of delights”
TIME OUT
“Beautifully ridiculous charm”
TIME OUT
“A hugely sophisticated show”
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“A delight!”
STAGE NOISE
“Keeps the laughs bubbling up”
CULTURAL BINGE
“Such a treat to watch”
WHAT’S THE SHOW

Frequently Asked Questions

View all FAQs

What is the running time of The Pirates of Penzance?

2hr and 20mins including interval

What is the age recommendation for The Pirates of Penzance?

8 years and over.

What time do I need to arrive before a show?

We recommend that you arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the performance starts – or earlier if you would like to enjoy a drink in one of the theatre’s licensed bars.

What if I'm late and the performance has started?

Some events have a ‘lock-out’ policy; a period after the show starts when late-comers are not permitted. Lock-out period vary from show to show. Patrons arriving late will be admitted when there’s a suitable break.