Next Production
The Pirates of Penzance
Rehearsals for our next production are currently on hold due to the national lockdown/COVID-19 situation. Due to the uncertainty around how long the lockdown and pubic gathering restrictions are likely to continue, we have decided to postpone the show until May 2021.
If you have already purchased tickets, please contact Eastbourne Theatres about transferring them to next year, or to request a refund.
Meanwhile, find out more about the show below...
About The Pirates of Penzance
Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera in two acts is packed full of outwardly swashbuckling, but sentimental, pirates, blundering policemen, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes.
Frederic, a pirate apprentice, falls head-over-heels in love with 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. Born on 29th February, Frederic discovers that he is technically still a youngster. Although very much in love, his dedication to duty is unshakeable. Can he find a way to live happily-ever-after with Mabel?
This opera is truly great entertainment. Each character in this satire on Victorian melodrama is drawn with true Gilbertian wit, and the situations in which they are placed is brimful of comedy.
Some photos from our rehearsals. Follow us on Instagram for more behind the scenes snaps - @EastbourneGandS
Our Production
We are thrilled to present a vibrant cast of talented performers for our 2021 production. Those who have seen our past productions will recognise some familiar faces, alongside many others who are new to the society. Some of these performers are new to Gilbert & Sullivan as well as to the society, and we're excited to initiate them into this wonderful topsy-turvy world!
Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates from our rehearsals and more information about the cast. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Principals
Jenny McAlmont
Mabel
Oliver Albertella
Frederic
Alison King
Ruth
Hayden Cheyne
The Pirate King
Victoria Langley
Edith
Paul Eccles
Major General Stanley
Hannah Bonini
Kate
Oliver Price
Samuel
Claire Mullan
Isabel
Tim Gordon
The Sergeant of Police
Ensemble
Pirates:
Linda Walker, Jonathan Humphrey, Margaret Amey, Phillippa Acton, Peter Tucknott, Philip Parker, Stan Fillery
Stanley sisters:
Lailani Sargent, Pamela Cross, Lucy Sarsfield, Sharona Turnbull
Police Constables (and Pirates in Act 1):
David Joyce, Nigel Lawton, Tim Archer, Colin Day, David Clifford, Philip Visick, Michael Bale
General's Stanley's servants:
Margot Miller, Sue Davies, Caroline Light, Helen Morbey, Gregory Gower
Tourists:
Bernard Losh, Roger Clough, Moira Raines, Brenda Gower, David Spriggs
Creative Team
Trevor Allen - Director
With over 40 years of performing and directing operetta under his belt, Trevor is our resident G&S buff. He last directed the society for its 2017 production of The Mikado, and has also performed on stage in several shows with us, most recently as The Grand Inquisitor in The Gondoliers.
Pat White - Musical Director
Pat has been involved in Musical Theatre all her life, and is a familiar face on the Sussex Performing Arts scene. She has many years experience of musical and stage direction with local societies.
Rowan Stanfield - Assistant Director / Choreographer
Rowan is more usually to be seen on stage, having played several leading ladies for Eastbourne G&S in recent years. She's excited to be making her directorial debut for the society.
Russell Ablewhite - Assistant MD / Accompanist
Russell has sung professionally for decades, most recently at the Royal Opera House. His vocal expertise is much appreciated by the company!
Lucy Sarsfield - Choreographer
Lucy has been a performing member of the society for many years, and like Rowan, is taking a break from the limelight to join the production team for this show.