Sydney’s Foundry Theatre is currently hosting Hayes Theatre Co’s updated production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance. Following a successful season at the Hayes Theatre in 2025 and subsequent regional tour stops in Wyong, Wollongong, and Canberra, this staging marks a new collaborative partnership between the company and the Pyrmont venue. The season commenced preview performances on 12 May 2026 and celebrated its official opening night on 15 May 2026, with performances scheduled to run until 7 June 2026.
This particular adaptation, developed by Co-Artistic Director Richard Carroll, condenses the classic satirical operetta into a fast-paced version where a cast of five actors handles every character role. The production relies on rapid costume and vocal changes to shift between groups of pirates, lovers, and family members. Returning cast members from the initial 2025 run include Jay Laga’aia as the Pirate King, Brittanie Shipway portraying Ruth and Mabel, and Maxwell Simon as Frederic. They are joined for this season by new cast additions Jonathan Holmes, Sarah Murr, and swing performer Tana Laga’aia.
Co-Artistic Director Richard Carroll balances his leadership role at Hayes Theatre Co with active writing and directing, and he discussed how this specific production serves as the ideal launchpad for their new venue collaboration.
Hayes shows thrive on being inventive, nimble and always entertaining, which aligns perfectly with the vision behind the Foundry Theatre. We’ve been looking for the right moment to bring a show to this space, and our rollicking, rowdy Gilbert & Sullivan reimagining is the ultimate way to kick off this exciting new partnership,
Fellow Co-Artistic Director Victoria Falconer co-manages the artistic direction of the company and shared her perspective on how expanding into larger venues secures the long-term creative future of their productions.
There is a specific magic built into the DNA of every Hayes production – an intimacy that we know will translate beautifully to an innovative space like the Foundry Theatre. Expanding our reach to new spaces, creative partnerships and bigger audiences isn’t just a growth milestone, it paves an ambitious pathway that will directly fuel the creativity and scope of future Hayes productions,
