A new production by Gilbert and Sullivan called The Pirates of Penzance will take to the stage at Artscape Theatre from Saturday, July 4 to Sunday, July 12.
The comic opera promises audiences a mix of pirates, policemen, romance and comedy in a lively new staging directed by Darryl J Spijkers, with musical direction by Alastair Cockburn.
Performed in English and shorter than many traditional operas, The Pirates of Penzance is aimed at both seasoned opera fans and first-time theatre-goers, including families and younger audiences.
The production features more than 60 performers and dancers, accompanied live by the newly formed Cape Town Sinfonietta, a 26-piece orchestra performing from the orchestra pit.
First performed in 1879, the opera remains one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s best-known works and includes favourites such as I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General, alongside romantic duets, comic ensembles and energetic finales.
Organisers say audiences can expect colourful characters, lively staging and a full orchestral experience across eight performances, including three afternoon matinees.
The production runs at Artscape Theatre from Saturday, July 4, to Sunday, July 12. Tickets cost between R225 and R350 and are available through Webtickets or the Artscape Box Office on 021 421 7695.