The production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s popular comic opera will be performed from the 2nd December until the 21st February.
It has been confirmed that the company will present the acclaimed film and theatre director’s 2015 operatic debut’s take on The Pirates of Penzance at the London Coliseum from next month.
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?
The opera features arias such as I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General’ and ‘I am a Pirate King’, with this run of the opera being conducted by Natalie Murray Beale who is making her ENO debut. 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.
In terms of casting, 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.
Elsewhere, 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 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.
The cast is completed by Isabelle Peters who 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.
The creative team behind the production includes: 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.
To book tickets visit: https://www.eno.org/whats-on/the-pirates-of-penzance/