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Outdoor theatre: Illyria present The Pirates of Penzance at Hatchlands Park

Illyria theatre returns to Hatchlands to perform one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved comic operas. With its razor sharp satire and glittering wit, it remains as fresh as if it had been written today.

  • Booking essential

Frederick, accidentally apprenticed to Pirates as a child, is indentured to the Pirate King until his 21st birthday. On the day he reaches 21 he leaves the ship, announcing that he now intends to dedicate his life to the Pirates’ destruction. The Pirate King checks the contract’s small print – and realises that as Frederick’s birthday is 29th February on a leap year he has only had four birthdays and is actually indentured for another 63 years. With only the Penzance constabulary to protect him, will Frederick be forced to serve the pirates until he is 84? And will his sweetheart, Mabel, wait for him that long? Performed by a six-strong cast of actor/singers with fully orchestrated accompaniment.

Running time is approximately 120 mins (including a 20 min interval).

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult £21.68
Child 5-16 years£10.84
Concession Registered carer - one per paid booking£0.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0333 666 4466 Ticket price includes a booking fee. Tickets sold by Illyria, please contact them for ticket queries

Suitability

Children are very welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting point

Arrive at our Visitor Reception building to present your tickets. The performance takes place on the west lawn in front of the house. Gates open at 6pm.

What to bring and wear

This is an outdoor event so please dress for the weather conditions on the night. Lawn chairs and picnics are very welcome.

Accessibility

The west lawn and garden area is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Other

This is an open air event and will go ahead in all weather conditions.

Upcoming events

February half term 

Grab your wellies, and join us for fresh air and fun on a nature-spotting trail this half term.

Event summary

on
18 Feb to 22 Feb 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 4 other dates or times

First World War Waistcoat 

As featured in the National Trust book, 100 Things to Wear, and now on display in the house, this striking waistcoat made from gloves, belonged to Navy signaller Harrie Joseph who recuperated at Hatchlands after shellshock in 1915.

Event summary

on
1 Mar to 12 Apr 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 36 other dates or times

Easter egg hunt at Hatchlands Park 

Enjoy a spring trail through the parkland this holiday and challenge friends and family to games and activities along the way.

Event summary

on
28 Mar to 12 Apr 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 15 other dates or times

Moomins at Hatchlands Park 

Hatchlands Park invites you to take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley this spring, with a family trail around the garden, meeting characters from the Moomin stories.

Event summary

on
9 May to 5 Jul 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 57 other dates or times