Hayes Theatre Co has revealed the full cast for Richard Carroll’s adaptation of The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty. This modern reinterpretation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operatic comedy is set to tour New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The production will open at The Art House in Wyong from 7-8 February, with the Hayes Theatre Co season beginning on 14 February. Following Sydney, the show will visit Merrigong Theatre Company in Wollongong and Canberra Theatre Centre for limited runs.
The production features a cast of five performers tasked with bringing this high-energy and playful adaptation to life. Jay Laga’aia (The Lion King, WICKED) stars as the Pirate King, with Maxwell Simon (Assassins, Moulin Rouge!) as Frederic, and Brittanie Shipway (The Lovers, The Dismissal) portraying both Ruth and Mabel. Cabaret artist Trevor Jones will take on the dual roles of Major-General and musical director, while Billie Palin (RENT, Godspell) serves as the Onstage Swing.
Director Richard Carroll, who adapted the script and lyrics for this production, commented on his approach to the classic work:
Pirates has such a wonderful, mischievous irreverence in its DNA, and I’ve tried to harness that and build on it in the new script and lyrics for this adaptation. The songs are absolute solid-gold classics, and the characters are so entertaining and memorable – our goal is to serve them the best way we can. Gathering this insanely talented group of performers makes me even more excited to share this new version of Pirates with the world.
Richard Carroll’s modern adaptation of The Pirates of Penzance will tour New South Wales and the ACT in early 2025. The production begins at The Art House Wyong (7–8 February, book tickets here), before heading to Hayes Theatre Co in Sydney from 14 February (book tickets here or call (02) 8065 7337). It then visits Merrigong Theatre Company in Wollongong (26–29 March, book tickets here) and concludes at Canberra Theatre Centre (2–6 April, book tickets here). Ticket prices and session times vary by venue.
