Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera is packed full of sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes.
Frederic, a pirate’s 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 29 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?
Performed by the English National Opera and Directed by Mike Leigh (Palme d’Or winner and 5 times Oscar nominee), Gilbert & Sullivan’s popular comic opera features much-loved favourites including ‘A Policeman’s Lot is not a Happy One’ and ‘I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General’.
Certificate: (PG)
Run time: 148 mins
Act I: 60 minutes
Interval: 20 minutes
Act II: 50 minutes
“A delightful surprise”
The Times
“A jolly good show”
The Telegraph
“Precise and pricelessly funny production”
The Stage