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 immediate hit. Its first London production was on the 3rd April 1880 at the Opera Comique. There have been several modernised productions of The Pirates of Penzance since then, including Joseph Papp's 1981 production on Broadway.
The cast contains hopelessly kind hearted pirates, lovely young maidens and a bunch of useless but lovely policemen. The improbable plot involves a succession of daft 'mistakes' which turn lives totally upside down.
The primary character of the plot is Frederic, who due to a slightly deaf nursemaid, Ruth, is a reluctant apprentice pirate. On his 21st Birthday, Frederic is celebrating and drinking sherry with the Pirates, when he announces his plans to leave. The maid Ruth, explains that as Frederic's former nursemaid she was asked to arrange an apprenticeship with a ships pilot, but due to her partial hearing, mistakenly heard pirate.
Frederic attempts to persuade the pirate king and his gang to leave their pirate days behind them and pursue a more virtuous existence but the pirate king is not interested. Before leaving, Frederic gives the pirates some tips and pointers to help them to be a little more prosperous and avoid getting beaten so often. He points out that everyone they capture claims to be an orphan because it is common knowledge that as orphans themselves, the pirates will let them go.
Frederic leaves with Ruth and Ruth, who is determined to wed him, convinces Frederic that she is extremely beautiful. Having no other woman to compare her with, Frederic totally believes her. Just then, a group of beautiful maidens come along and Ruth's deception is unveiled. Frederic immediately see's that Ruth is 'plain and old' and Ruth runs off in utter despair. Frederic attempts to alert the lovely maidens that there are pirates in the near area and in no time, Frederic and Mabel, one of the maidens, fall instantly in love.
Ruth and the pirate king return and tell Frederic that he cannot leave. They tell Frederic that he is not actually 21 yet as he was born on February the 29th and only has a real birthday every leap year. So his apprenticeship is not finished. So he must return to the pirates for 63 more years ! Frederic feels devastated by this news but having a real sense of duty, he agrees that he should return and his new found love promises she will wait!
The Pirates of Penzance is a fantastic classic. Its huge popularity has lasted for over one hundred and thirty years.
The cast contains hopelessly kind hearted pirates, lovely young maidens and a bunch of useless but lovely policemen. The improbable plot involves a succession of daft 'mistakes' which turn lives totally upside down.
The primary character of the plot is Frederic, who due to a slightly deaf nursemaid, Ruth, is a reluctant apprentice pirate. On his 21st Birthday, Frederic is celebrating and drinking sherry with the Pirates, when he announces his plans to leave. The maid Ruth, explains that as Frederic's former nursemaid she was asked to arrange an apprenticeship with a ships pilot, but due to her partial hearing, mistakenly heard pirate.
Frederic attempts to persuade the pirate king and his gang to leave their pirate days behind them and pursue a more virtuous existence but the pirate king is not interested. Before leaving, Frederic gives the pirates some tips and pointers to help them to be a little more prosperous and avoid getting beaten so often. He points out that everyone they capture claims to be an orphan because it is common knowledge that as orphans themselves, the pirates will let them go.
Frederic leaves with Ruth and Ruth, who is determined to wed him, convinces Frederic that she is extremely beautiful. Having no other woman to compare her with, Frederic totally believes her. Just then, a group of beautiful maidens come along and Ruth's deception is unveiled. Frederic immediately see's that Ruth is 'plain and old' and Ruth runs off in utter despair. Frederic attempts to alert the lovely maidens that there are pirates in the near area and in no time, Frederic and Mabel, one of the maidens, fall instantly in love.
Ruth and the pirate king return and tell Frederic that he cannot leave. They tell Frederic that he is not actually 21 yet as he was born on February the 29th and only has a real birthday every leap year. So his apprenticeship is not finished. So he must return to the pirates for 63 more years ! Frederic feels devastated by this news but having a real sense of duty, he agrees that he should return and his new found love promises she will wait!
The Pirates of Penzance is a fantastic classic. Its huge popularity has lasted for over one hundred and thirty years.
About the Author:
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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