The Pirates of Penzance, outdoor theatre by Illyria
A swashbuckling musical misadventure for all the family.
- Booking essential
Set sail for silliness as young Frederic discovers he’s been accidentally apprenticed to a band of hopelessly cheerful pirates, and thanks to a leap‑year birthday, he might be stuck with them until he’s 84. Cue chaos, catchy tunes, and a whole lot of “ooh‑arr!”
With bumbling buccaneers and a love story that refuses to wait 63 years, Gilbert & Sullivan's fast‑paced, laugh‑packed show is bursting with brilliant songs and larger‑than‑life characters. Perfect for families who love adventure, music, and a good giggle.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £21.68 |
| Child 3-17yrs | £13.01 |
| Concession carer | £0.00 |
The basics
- Booking number
Call n/a.
- Accessibility
Please check our homepage for access information. The performance takes place on the grass in the Walled Garden.
- Meeting point
Gibside Walled Garden.
- Suitability for children
Recommended for all ages.
- What to bring and wear
Bring along a picnic, your own low-back seating or rug. Wear suitable clothing for the weather and bring a blanket to stay cosy.
- Other
Running time approximately 120 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 7pm. The Pizza Pit and café will be open pre-show and during the interval.
Upcoming events
Pokémon joins Gibside's Summer of Play 2026: free family activities
A Summer of adventure is waiting at Gibside! Let imaginations soar, feet run wild, and creativity come to life.
Live music in the garden
Soak up the atmosphere with live music from local musicians.
SEND games 6-17yrs with Smile Through Sport: Summer of Play
Outdoor games and activities for young people aged 6-17 years with SEND.
SEND games 18+ with Smile Through Sport: Summer of Play
Outdoor games and activities for people aged 18 plus with SEND.