​​​​​​​Pirates drop anchor in Giggleswick to welcome the great British summer

The award-winning Illyria Outdoor Theatre is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To mark this milestone they are re-staging popular shows from their back catalogue. This will include an outdoor version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance at The Richard Whiteley Theatre this summer.

This will be the first time Illyria has entertained audiences at The Richard Whiteley Theatre. “Over the last thirty years, we have performed top-notch outdoor theatre to over a million people across the country,” said Artistic Director Oliver Gray. “It’s a great chance for everyone to come together, enjoy the British summertime and be entertained.”

The Richard Whiteley Theatre is pleased to be part of Illyria’s 30th anniversary celebrations. “After a challenging few years for venues, we’re inviting as many people as possible to join us from across the dales this summer,” said Theatre Manager, Mike Offland

Mike continues, “Whoever you are, a show like The Pirates of Penzance is a fantastic event for your calendar. It’s funny, raucous, and the music is beautiful. A much-needed break from the challenges we’ve all been facing and in a Jubilee year, what could be more British than some Gilbert and Sullivan alongside a picnic!”.”

Performed by a six-strong cast, with specially-orchestrated nautical accompaniment, The Pirates of Penzance gets the complete Illyria treatment. Despite the reduction in scale not a single word from WS Gilbert’s libretto is cut, nor a single note or harmony from Sir Arthur Sullivan’s score unsung.

The event at The Richard Whiteley Theatre will take place on bank holiday Monday 29th August. The Pirates of Penzance is over 100 years old but Illyria promises that it is “as fresh today as it ever was”. It promises to be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to celebrate the return of summertime together.