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HMS Pinafore presented by Illyria

Full to the gunwales with sharp dialogue and catchy tunes, this timeless comic opera is performed outdoors by a cast of 6 outstanding performers on a spectacular nautical set, using Sullivan’s full score.

  • Booking essential

Welcome on board HMS Pinafore, flagship of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy - the perfect place to mock such stalwart institutions as Government, patriotism and even the Great British Class system! No wonder Queen Victoria said of the original production in 1878: “We are NOT amused!” Josephine, the captain’s daughter, is in love with Ralph, a common sailor. But her social-climbing father insists that she is to marry Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty – whose roving eye has already noticed her. The young lovers are caught as they elope from the ship and Ralph is locked in the ship’s dungeon. Can revelations made by Buttercup, the dockside vendor, enable everyone to marry their true hearts’ loves?

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult £19.00
Child £10.00

The basics

Booking details

Call Online sales only Please arrive 10 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.

Meeting point

This is an outdoor event. Please meet at the Main Gate and travel through to the Lake Area.

What to bring and wear

Please bring a comfy seat, your picnic and weather appropriate clothes for the show

Accessibility

There are toilet facilities, an accessible toilet and a baby changing facility. Grounds - partly accessible, some hard standing paths near cafe, wider Forest paths are grass and can be very muddy in winter. Mobility parking - in Shell House car park

Upcoming events

Event

Yoga 

Start your day off with yoga in the peaceful surroundings of the Lake Area.

Event summary

on
2 Jul 2025
at
09:15 to 10:15
Event

Walk with Us 

Join us for an hour long, gentle walk around the enchanting Hatfield Forest. Running on alternate Wednesdays and Fridays, everyone is welcome on our walks for wellness.

Event summary

on
2 Jul to 24 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 11:00
+ 12 other dates or times
Event

Summer of Play 

Are you ready for a day that has plenty of fun? Discover action-packed activities and outdoor adventures this summer at Hatfield Forest.

Event summary

on
2 Jul to 7 Sep 2025
at
11:00 to 15:30
+ 67 other dates or times
Event

Forest Bathing 

Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing, is the Japanese practice of spending time in a woodland environment to improve health and wellbeing through gentle activities that reawaken the senses and our connection to nature.

Event summary

on
6 Jul to 5 Oct 2025
at
10:00 to 12:00
+ 3 other dates or times