General News
1 October, 2024
Horsham Arts Council brings 'Pirates of Penzance' to life this October
The stage is set for HAC's production of The Pirates of Penzance.
The stage is set for Horsham Arts Council's popular favourite, Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Pirates of Penzance.
The iconic musical is expected to fill the stalls of Horsham Town Hall from Thursday, October 3, to Saturday, October 12.
The eight-show run features Essgee's modern adaptation of Arthur Sullivan's original music and W. S. Gilbert's libretto.
Executive producer Esther Fry said anticipation is reaching a fever pitch following the sitzprobe during the weekend.
"The show looks and sounds amazing," she said.
"Working with an orchestra is a fantastic experience; hearing it all come together with the lighting and vocals was great.
"Everyone is excited, including the kids ensemble, who are experiencing acting in the theatre for the first time."
Ms Fry said seeing the show come to life was a lifelong ambition for herself and her sister, director Jessica Wilson.
"We were introduced to the show by our father," she said.
"We know the show so well and it's been a dream to perform it in Horsham. We want to bring the show the show to people who have never experienced Pirates."
A humorous and entertaining musical, Pirates of Penzance tells the tale of Frederic, a pirate's apprentice, who falls head-over-heels in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley.
Essgee's adaptation of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera features more laughs and a more modern sound than traditional versions, which Ms Fry thinks will resonate with the Horsham audience.
"It's very satirical with lots of jokes," she said.
"Even in the most serious of moments, you can expect a character to break the fourth wall."
The HAC's performance is packed full of "sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures, and improbable paradoxes" making for the best in musical theatre.
The Pirates of Penzance is scheduled to run for about 150 minutes including a 20-minute interval.
Tickets are available via the Horsham Town Hall website: https://www.horshamtownhall.com.au/hthevent/essgees-pirates-of-penzance.