Derby Gilbert And Sullivan Society

The night of beautiful music, high quality operatics and swashbuckling comic drama.

Gilbert & Sullivan’s two act opera tells the story of Frederic, an apprentice with a band of tender-hearted pirates. On reaching 21, Frederic is released form his indenture and meets Mabel, falling instantly in love. However there is a problem… Frederic was born on February 29 and so only has a birthday each leap year. His contract specifies that he must stay with the pirates until his 21st birthday, meaning another 63 years!

The Pirates of Penzance was the fifth Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration and introduced the much-parodied Major-General's Song. The opera was performed for over a century by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in Britain and many other opera companies and repertory companies worldwide.

The opera remains popular today, taking its place along with The Mikado and HMS Pinafore as one of the most frequently performed work by the duo.

The Pirates of Penzance is a benefit performance by Derby G&S Society promoted by the High Sheriff of Derbyshire in aid of Age UK and Foundation Derbyshire.