The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Western Australia is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025 with a brand-new production of the much-loved comic operetta The Pirates of Penzance at the Dolphin Theatre in Crawley this June.
Founded in 1951, the Society has spent 75 years entertaining Western Australian audiences with the timeless works of Gilbert and Sullivan. To mark the milestone, the Society is bringing one of its most popular and entertaining productions back to the stage in a celebration of music, comedy, and live theatre.
Packed with pirates, romance, mistaken identities, and iconic songs including “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General,” The Pirates of Penzance remains one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most enduring works. The fast-paced operetta follows Frederic, a young pirate apprentice attempting to leave piracy behind, only to find himself caught between love, duty, and a series of hilarious misunderstandings.
Directed by Kevin Langoulant, with musical direction by Ian Westrip OAM and choreography by Hamish Scott, the production features a live orchestra and a talented local cast including Sam Claxton
as the Pirate King, Jacob Correia as Frederic, Justin Freind as the Major-General, Magda Lisek as Mabel, Lincoln Matrozis
as Samuel, Tim Longley as the Sergeant of Police, and Belinda Butler as Ruth.
“Celebrating 75 years is an incredible milestone for the Society, and The Pirates of Penzance felt like the perfect way to do it,” said Sophie (publicity). “It’s funny, energetic, and genuinely entertaining for all ages. Whether you’ve loved Gilbert and Sullivan for years or are seeing it for the first time, this production is all about bringing people together and celebrating live theatre.”
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Society has also released a special documentary, A Diamond Jubilee of Music and Merriment!, reflecting on the organisation’s 75-year history and its contribution to community theatre in Western Australia.
The Pirates of Penzance runs from 11–13 June and 17–20 June at the Dolphin Theatre in Crawley, with various performance times.
Tickets are available now at: uniwa.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ salesevent/161337