Swashbuckling pirates and razor-sharp satire, English National Opera (ENO) presents Mike Leigh’s production of The Pirates of Penzance between December 2024 to February 2025. Known as one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most popular comic operas, it is filled with hi-jinks and memorable melodies. The acclaimed film and theatre director’s 2015 operatic debut proved a great hit with audiences, calling for its second revival.
This production tells the story of pirate apprentice, Frederic, and his love for Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a snag. Although deep in the throes of love, his strong sense of duty leaves him in a quandary. Does he stay dutiful to his apprenticeship, or live happily-ever-after with Mabel?
Popular arias pepper the score of The Pirates of Penzance, such as ‘I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General’ and ‘I am a Pirate King’. Internationally renowned conductor Natalie Murray Beale makes her ENO debut, leading the ENO Orchestra. Recently acclaimed for her work on the TÁR concept album that reached number one in the Billboard Traditional Classical Charts, Murray Beale is well known for her ability to conduct with precision and pace. Sarah Tipple returns as Revival Director, associated with the production since 2015.
The Vice-President of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, baritone Richard Suart, reprises the role of Major-General Stanley. He last performed the role with ENO in 2004. He will be joined by another Gilbert and Sullivan expert, bass-baritone John Savournin who will perform the role of The Pirate King, following his notable performances in 2023’s Iolanthe and 2021’s H.M.S. Pinafore.
Former Harewood Artist and tenor William Morgan makes his role debut performing Frederic, last on stage for the ENO as Tamino in 2024’s The Magic Flute. Also making a welcome return to the London Coliseum stage is bass James Creswell in the role of Sergeant of Police. Creswell last performed with the ENO in the role of Commander in 2024’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and he is a regular at some of the world’s leading opera houses, including The Metropolitan Opera and Paris Opera.
Harewood Artist and soprano Isabelle Peters performs the role of Mabel. A 2022 Classic FM ‘30 Under 30 Rising Star’, Peters returns to the London Coliseum following her role as Barena in 2024’s Jenufa. Mezzo-soprano Bethan Langford performs the role of Edith, after her roles in 2023’s Iolanthe and 2021’s H.M.S. Pinafore. Mezzo-soprano Gaynor Keeble appears for her second engagement of the season in the role of Ruth, following her performance as The Mistress of Novices in Annilese Miskimmon’s production of Suor Angelica.
Mike Leigh is the Director, Sarah Tipple is the Revival Director, Alison Chitty is the Designer, Paul Pyant is the Original Lighting Designer, Ian Jackson-French is the Revival Lighting Designer, Sarah Weltman is the Sound Designer, and Francesa Jaynes is the Original Choreographer.
The Pirates of Penzance opens at the London Coliseum on Monday 2 December for 15 performances: 2, 4, 6, Dec, 24, 25, 30 Jan, 4, 6, 19 Feb at 19.00. 1 Feb at 18.00. 7 Dec, 30 Jan at 13.00. 25 Jan, 8, 21 Feb at 14.30.
