The G&S classic… re-wired and re-booted.
(Swash) buckle up for an epic voyage…
Hayes Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer harness the irreverent, genre-busting spirit of a sprawling, satirical, musical masterwork, and bring it to raucous new life for a 21st-century audience. This brand-new, boisterously joyful adaptation is brought to life by just four bold performers.
Between them, this intrepid quartet bring to life:
The Pirate King, devoted to a life of swashbuckling and skullduggery – as long as the hours aren’t too demanding.
Ruth, the nursemaid who hasn’t been entirely truthful, but who reveals a natural talent and appetite for piracy.
Mabel, a young woman thirsty for new experiences (and just plain thirsty).
Frederic, our young hero thrown into an existential battle between his old and new worlds by a series of irritating administrative errors.
A Major-General devoted to respectability, but tormented by the shame he has brought onto his ancestors-by-purchase.
Plus; the motley pirate crew, a troupe of singing police recruits, Mabel’s eclectic group of sisters; and the faithful piratical accomplice/pianist, Fish Cake.
Book onstage seating to really be a part of the action!
Media Release - Cast Announcement - 21st November 2024
As previously announced, in the role of the Pirate King is much loved actor Jay Laga’aia. Fresh from treading the boards as crooner Vince Fontaine in Grease, Jay’s impressive list of stage credits include Once, The Lion King and WICKED. His screen credits include Nim’s Island, Star Wars and Doctor Doctor.
Joining Jay to bring the remaining characters to life are Maxwell Simon (Assassins, Moulin Rouge) as Frederic and Brittanie Shipway (The Lovers, The Dismissal) as Ruth and Mabel. Cabaret star Trevor Jones will don two caps, playing the Major-General as well as musically directing the show! Rounding out the cast is Hayes favourite Billie Palin (RENT, Godspell) as the Onstage Swing.
This small, but incredibly talented cast will not only bravely tackle the myriad of characters that make up this well-loved Gilbert and Sullivan classic, they may even boldly steer the ship on a slightly different course.
Leading the charge for the creative team are our fearless Artistic Directors, Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer. They are joined by Shannon Burns, Nick Fry, Lily Mateljan, Jasmine Rizk, Daniel Herten and Sherydan Simson.
Event Details:
Dates: 2–6 April 2025
Times:
Wednesday 2 April 2025, 7.30pm (Preview)Thursday 3 April 2025, 7.30pm (Opening Night)
Friday 4 April 2025, 7.30pm
Saturday 5 April 2025, 1pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 6 April 2025, 1pm & 5pm
Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval.
Ages: This performance is suitable for audiences aged 12+ or with parental discretion.
Location: Canberra Theatre Centre
Onstage seating: There are multiple onstage seating options for this performance, including Sofas, an Armchair and Table Seating. All chairs are cushioned, upholstered furniture. Table seating includes high stools.
Warnings: Some mildly salty language, comically inept stage combat, and risk of spontaneous harmonica. Also, theatrical haze and flashing lights.
Notes: Wheelchair Accessible