Illyria – Pirates of Penzance
Outdoor Theatre at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, Somerset
11 September 2026 | 6.30pm
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, because Frederick was born on 29th February in a leap year, he has only had four birthdays and is therefore indentured for a further 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?
Unmissable Summer Theatre in Wells
Performed by a six-strong cast of actor/singers with fully orchestrated accompaniment, The Pirates of Penzance boasts such gloriously memorable songs as “To be a Pirate King!”; “Modern Major General” and “A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One”. With razor sharp satire and glittering wit, it remains as fresh as if it had been written today.
Running time: 120-minutes (approx.), including a 20-minute interval.
Recommended for all ages.
Bring a chair and a picnic and enjoy an evening of live theatre at The Bishop’s Palace.
Meet Illyria
Tickets and admission
Tickets to this outdoor theatre performance of The Pirates of Penzance by Illyria at The Bishop’s Palace can be purchased via the button below.
This is a fundraising event for the Palace Trust.
Why Visit The Bishop’s Palace for Outdoor Theatre?
The Bishop’s Palace is one of Somerset’s most iconic historic attractions, located in the heart of Wells, England’s smallest city. Its medieval architecture and tranquil gardens provide a spectacular setting for summer events and outdoor performances.
Here are some of the previous performances we’ve hosted at The Bishop’s Palace in recent years.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men: Twelfth Night – 2024
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men: Hamlet – 2025
Illyria: HMS Pinafore – 2025