★★★★★
The Pirates of Penzance is one of those shows every musical theatre-lover is familiar with. Its songs have been performed thousands of times and reimagined in many ways, yet no one has done them quite like Hayes Theatre Co.
After numerous sold-out performances in 2025, which prompted an extended season, this production returns to eagerly awaiting audiences. So what makes it so special? A wildly talented and charming cast of just five performers goes a very long way.
For those less familiar, The Pirates of Penzance was written in 1879 by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan and follows a former apprentice pirate named Frederic. The musical begins on his 21st birthday, where his pirate duties are relinquished, allowing him to pursue a romance with a General’s daughter.
Richard Carroll’s adaptation and direction, paired with Victoria Falconer’s musical arrangements, is sharply attuned to contemporary culture. The Pirates of Penzance is packed with references to modern musical theatre favourites, including Wicked, while playfully poking fun at contemporary society along the way.
The sheer talent in this show is undeniable. The cast’s history with this production has created a wonderful chemistry that breathes fresh life into its light-hearted satire.
Jay Laga’aia leads the cast as the tender-hearted Pirate King. A truly endearing character from start to end, Laga’aia is a joy to watch. No stranger to Australian audiences, his credits range from Play School to the Star Wars prequel films.
In the first act, Brittanie Shipway steals the show with a phenomenal operatic performance. Shipway juggles singing, acting, comedy, and her multiple roles, including Mabel and Ruth, with ease.
Shipway is complemented by the endless camp of Maxwell Simon’s performance as Frederic. His exaggerated dramatics are exactly what this adaptation demands.
On the keys is Jonathon Holmes, who balances his musical prowess with his role as the Major General. The contemporary inclusions added to his character’s well-known song take things in a fresh direction. In particular, the slower tempo allows the audience to fully appreciate the lyrical wit.
In the show’s second act, Sarah Murr gets a chance to fully flex her vocals, most notably through her hilarious solo as the police constable. Filling the gaps left by the reduced cast, Murr’s handling of the majority of the ensemble roles does not go unnoticed.
One cannot discuss this show without giving credit to the wonderful backstage crew. Lily Mateljan’s costuming is simply delightful. The General’s daughters and Pirate King’s outfits in particular stand out for not only looking phenomenal but also allowing the numerous quick changes the production demands.
Nick Fry and Adrien Stark’s clever set design incorporates on-stage seating alongside the traditional auditorium arrangement, drawing parts of the audience directly into the action. Selected patrons are invited onstage to play pirates, sergeants and other supporting roles as needed.
This works particularly well during When A Felon’s Not Engaged In His Employment, where the audience participants help emphasise the police force’s comic ineptitude. It is a smart and highly entertaining way to enhance the production’s smaller cast.
If you’re in need of a night filled with bawdy humour, raucous laughter and wonderfully clever theatrical chaos, Hayes Theatre Co’s The Pirates of Penzance is the perfect show to catch.
The Pirates of Penzance, presented by Hayes Theatre Co and runs to 7 June at Foundry Theatre, inside the Sydney Lyric, Pirrama Road Pyrmont NSW 2009.
Tickets: https://www.foundrytheatre.com.au/the-pirates-of-penzance
Website: https://hayestheatre.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/foundrytheatresydney/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hayestheatreco_official/
Photo credits: John McCrae
