Gilbert & Sullivan’s: The Pirates of Penzance, Friends of the Tyne Theatre & Opera House

The Friends of Tyne Theatre and Opera House present an energetic production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious operetta The Pirates of Penzance. This popular work will be accompanied by a large live orchestra. The Pirates of Penzance are a rollicking band of pirates too kind-hearted for their own good. This witty show follows the pirates and a young man apprenticed to them in error – the slave of duty. We discover deception, paradoxes, bravery and revelations along the way. With Arthur Sullivan’s tuneful music and W.S. Gilbert’s sparkling funny script and lyrics it is no wonder that this is one of their most performed works. This was their fourth collaborative effort and was premiered in New York, USA on New Year’s Eve 1879. All-time popular songs from this show include:

• Oh Better Far to Live and Die (I am a Pirate King)
• Poor Wandering One
• I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General
• When the Foeman Bares His Steel (Ta-ran-ta-ra)
• When a Felon’s Not Engaged in His Employment (A policeman’s lot is not a happy one)
• With Cat-like Tread

The production will raise funds for the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust for the future restoration of this beautiful and unique Grade 1 listed Victorian opera house. The Pirates of Penzance has been performed numerous times at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House and it is fitting that this is the first production by the Friends of Tyne Theatre and Opera House. Audience members have the option of a pre-performance theatre heritage talk and tour at 6.15pm to have an insight into the history and workings of this fabulous theatre – advance booking required. Tours include a viewing and an explanation of the Victorian under stage machinery. Unfortunately access to the stage and the under stage is currently not available for wheelchair users. Tickets go on sale: Wednesday 27^th May 2015.