Runtime
2hr and 20mins including interval
Age Recommendation
8 years and over.
Show Notice
This production contains theatrical haze, smoking, and flashing lights.
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 Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, adapted by Richard Carroll.
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, Tana Laga’aia and Jonathon Holmes.
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!
Get close to the action and grab a seat on a couch or table at the front. Don't worry, minimal audience participation is required!
Start your adventure on a Tuesday - the friendliest (and cheapest) night to try something new.
Pirates of Penzance was developed and presented in association with The Art House Wyong in 2025
The Pirates of Penzance
By Gilbert & Sullivan
Adapted by Richard Carroll
Starring Brittanie Shipway, Jay Laga’aia, Jonathon Holmes, Maxwell Simon, Sarah Murr and Tana Laga’aia
Director and Adaptor Richard Carroll
Co-Arranger and Musical Supervisor Victoria Falconer
Co-Arranger Trevor Jones
Assistant Director and Choreographer Shannon Burns
Musical Director Jonathon Holmes
Set Designer Nick Fry
Costume Designer Lily Mateljan
Lighting Designer Jasmine Rizk
Sound Designer Daniel Herten
Fight Director Tim Dashwood
Associate Set Designer Adrien Stark
Production Manager Barry Searle
Stage Manager Alexandria Vidler
Assistant Stage Manager Krystelle Quartermain
Head LX Daniel (Buffy) Barber
Sound Operator Matty James
Stage Management Intern Laura O’Neill
Assistant Costume Designer Imahn Pholi
Production Assistant Hana Barn