PIRATES, policemen, romance and comic chaos come to Artscape this winter as G&S presents a vibrant new production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance, from 4 to 12 July 2026.
Performed in English, filled with humour, and shorter than many traditional operas, The Pirates of Penzance offers an accessible and entertaining introduction to opera for families, younger audience members and first-time opera-goers, while still delivering the wit, wordplay and musical sparkle loved by Gilbert and Sullivan audiences.
Directed by Darryl J Spijkers, with musical direction by Alastair Cockburn, this new staging brings renewed theatrical energy to one of the most enduring works in comic opera, while remaining rooted in its Victorian-era setting and charm.
The production features a cast of more than 60 performers, dancers, and live accompaniment from the newly formed Cape Town Sinfonietta, a 26-piece orchestra. At a time when large live orchestras are increasingly rare in musical theatre and comic opera productions, audiences will have the opportunity to experience Sullivan’s sparkling score performed in full.
First performed in 1879, The Pirates of Penzance remains one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular works, with favourites including I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General, alongside romantic duets, comic ensembles and energetic finales.
With its colourful characters, lively staging, dancers, full orchestra and large cast, this production promises laughter, spectacle and musical brilliance in equal measure. It will run for eight performances, including three afternoon matinees, between Saturday 4 July and Sunday 12 July 2026.
Tickets range from R225 to R350 and are available through Webtickets or via the Artscape Box Office on +27 21 421 7695.
