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Following a triumphant West End run in 2008, Carl Rosa Opera’s production of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, complete with 18-piece orchestra, will open its three-month tour of the UK at Theatre Royal Brighton on Tuesday 6 April.

Paul Nicholas takes the role of the Pirate King in the production.  The much loved actor, who became a household name playing Vince in Just Good Friends, continues to enjoy a hugely successful career.  Paul’s many credits span stage and screen, from the original London production of Hair through to his recent role in ITV1’s The Royal Today. 

Regarded by many as the most gloriously topsy-turvy of Gilbert & Sullivan’s works, this stunning Carl Rosa Opera production of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE made history when Jo Brand became the first ever female Sergeant of Police in its 2008 London season.

Set in Penzance in the 1890s, orphaned pirates, flat-footed policemen and a bevy of blushing maidens (the pretty daughters of Major General Stanley) all cross paths in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, making for a perfect Gilbert & Sullivan sparkling plot! The long arm of the law is never far away however, led by the Sergeant of Police 

The production centres around Frederic, an apprenticed pirate who at 21 is now free to leave the Pirate band. His nursemaid Ruth confesses her love for him and they plan to elope together until he meets and falls in love with the Major General Stanley’s beautiful daughter Mabel.  The Major General and his daughters find themselves surrounded by the pirates so, to save his life, he describes himself as an orphan so that, by their rules, they must let him go. When Frederic is confronted with the fact that because he was born in leap year he is technically only five and a quarter so must therefore return to being a Pirate, he reveals the Major General’s dishonesty to the pirates. The Police are summoned to defend Mabel and her sisters and the Sergeant of Police takes the situation in hand, giving rise to some much-loved songs for that role including A Policeman’s lot is not a Happy One.

Audiences will love this Cornish-set story as Frederic wrestles with love and loyalty, principles and pirate-ways. The colourfully costumed production, revived with vivacity by Carl Rosa Opera’s Artistic Director Peter Mulloy together with Steve Elias, stunningly brings to life the original period setting.

Held in great affection as well as high regard, Carl Rosa Opera, under the Artistic Directorship of Peter Mulloy, continues to present work of the highest standard.  Carl Rosa Opera’s profile is enhanced by its work internationally as well as in the UK and is committed to nurturing future talent as well as offering insight and access into the world of performing and performance with a world-class company.

UK tour opens at Theatre Royal Brighton

Paul Nicholas stars as The Pirate King

Tue 6 – Sat 10 April
Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm