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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

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 Aug to 7 Sep 2025
at
11:00 to 15:30
+ 36 other dates or times
Event

Off Screens - On Nature Fishing Lessons 

Stansted Angling are running fishing tuition this year in the Summer Holidays at Hatfield Forest for children 8+ that would like to learn the basics of angling to get them off their screens and into nature.

Event summary

on
4 Aug to 12 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 11:00
+ 15 other dates or times
Event

Pre school Children’s Wellness Workshops 

Join Hannah from Rainbow Relaxation in the Forest setting for a workshop based around yoga and mindfulness in nature.

Event summary

on
5 Aug to 26 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 11:30
+ 3 other dates or times
Event

Primary school Children’s Wellness Workshops 

Join Hannah from Rainbow Relaxation in the Forest setting for a workshop based around yoga and mindfulness in nature.

Event summary

on
6 Aug to 27 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 3 other dates or times