The Old Bailey Choir and Waterperry Opera Festival, in association with the English National Opera Harwood Artist programme, present
Gilbert and Sullivan's
The Pirates of Penzance
A special gala performance in the breathtaking surroundings of the Old Bailey, narrated by John Sergeant.
"No pirate band will take its stand at the Central Criminal Court!"
18th, 19th, 20th, 21st January 2027, 7pm
The Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7EH
ABOUT
FAQs
A Semi-Staged Performance in the Grand Hall of the Old Bailey.
About the production
The Old Bailey Choir and Waterperry Opera Festival are delighted to join forces to present this once in a lifetime opportunity to see Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance performed in the Old Bailey's breathtaking Grand Hall.
Pirates will feel right at home, given that the Admiralty Court of England sat at the Old Bailey to try piracy. When the Major General sings of the pirates “Place them at the bar!” you will be within reach of the bar in Court 1 of the Central Criminal Court itself; you will be able to take in these extraordinary and seldom seen surroundings beforehand, during the interval, and after the performance.
These very special evenings will be narrated by the illustrious broadcaster and household name, John Sergeant, and the cast will include ENO Harwood Young Artists alongside G&S/ENO stalwarts including Richard Suart as the Major General, John Savournin as the Pirate King, William Morgan as Frederic, and Amy J Payne as Ruth.
It will be performed with the WOF Chamber Orchestra conducted by the choir's conductor, Andrew Storey.
Tickets are expected to be very popular, so do book early to avoid disappointment. The performances are in aid of the Sheriff and Recorder Fund and Waterperry Opera Festival.
Cast
Richard Suart | Major General
John Savournin | Pirate King
Rebecca Bottone | Mabel
Amy J Payne | Ruth
Matthew Kellett | Sergeant of Police
alongside past and current ENO Harewood Artists William Morgan (Frederic) and Steffan Lloyd Owen (Samuel).
FAQs
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Doors open from 6pm. The performance will last approximately 2 hour and 15 minutes including a 30 minute interval.
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The Old Bailey has wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.
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All ticket holders must present photographic ID, and pass through airport-style security. This is necessary as The Old Bailey is the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, handling high-profile criminal trials.