Outdoor Theatre - Illyria: The Pirates of Penzance

Illyria, one of the UK’s leading outdoor theatre companies, brings its production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance to Gloucester Cathedral! Enjoy an entertaining evening of live theatre performance in the historic grounds of Gloucester Cathedral.

Performed by a six-strong cast of actor/singers, The Pirates of Penzance boasts such gloriously memorable songs as “To be a Pirate King!”, “Modern Major General” and “A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One”. With razor sharp satire and glittering wit, it remains as fresh as if it had been written today.

Frederick, accidentally apprenticed to Pirates as a child, is indentured to the Pirate King until his 21st birthday. On the day he reaches 21 he leaves the ship, announcing that he now intends to dedicate his life to the Pirates’ destruction. The Pirate King checks the contract’s small print – and realises that as Frederick’s birthday is 29th February on a leap year he has only had four birthdays and is actually indentured for another 63 years. With only the Penzance constabulary to protect him, will Frederick be forced to serve the pirates until he is 84? And will his sweetheart, Mabel, wait for him that long?

Doors Open: 6pm
Show Start Time: 7pm
Running Time: 120 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
Location: Cathedral grounds

Food & Refreshments
To make your evening even more special, we will be offering freshly made ploughman's and cream tea boxes to enjoy whilst you watch the performance. These can be purchased alongside your tickets. We will also have a small bar available, serving red and white wine, Gloucester Cathedral's very own beer CathedrALE and a selection of soft drinks.

Please note this is an outdoor event.
Remember to bring something comfortable to sit on, e.g. a picnic blanket, rug, cushion or folding chair, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Please note only assistance dogs are permitted. Recommended for all ages.
Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Carer Tickets
Carer tickets are available upon request. Please email reception@gloucestercathedral.org.uk for more information. Please bring proof of eligibility, along with your booking confirmation, on arrival to the event.