Gilbert and Sullivan’s best loved operetta The Pirates of Penzance will play at the Manchester Opera House in June when the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company returns to the stage after a 10-year absence with a historic collaboration with Scottish Opera.
The production—which will première in Glasgow before touring—features the Orchestra of Scottish Opera and a 39-strong cast and chorus.
A cleverly-observed satire of Victorian morals and the ruling classes, this production brings the humour bang up-to-date with Pythonesque twinkle.
Having turned 21, Frederic should be contractually released from his apprenticeship to a band of pirates, but discovers his birthday is February 29, a leap year.
Pirates of Penzance features some of Gilbert’s wittiest lyrics, while Sullivan brilliantly mixes his signature catchy melodies with fine parodies of other opera composers, notably Verdi’s Il Trovotore.
Ian Martin, general manager of D’Oyly Carte, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Scottish Opera and very excited to be starting a new chapter in our lengthy history.”