🗓️ 16–19 November 2022 | 📍 York Theatre Royal, York, North Yorkshire, UK

“there is so much strength in depth in this company that you can virtually guarantee a really satisfying evening, whatever they do.”

— Martin Dreyer, Charles Hutch Press

York Opera brought Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic classic HMS Pinafore to life in November 2022 with a bold, full-scale staging at York Theatre Royal. Set aboard the majestic ship, this joyful production overflowed with satire, romance, and nautical mischief — featuring lively ensemble work, striking visuals, and a brilliant cast drawn from York’s vibrant operatic community.

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About the Opera

Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore (1878) is one of their most enduring comic operas, lampooning class structure, naval tradition, and political pomposity through catchy melodies and rapid-fire wit. The story follows Josephine, daughter of Captain Corcoran, who’s secretly in love with Ralph Rackstraw — a lowly sailor.

Captain Corcoran has other plans: to marry her off to Sir Joseph Porter, the pompous First Lord of the Admiralty. Chaos and comedy ensue, driven by the interjections of Dick Deadeye, the meddling crew, and a revelation that changes everything.

York Opera and the community

This production continued York Opera’s celebrated tradition of performing G&S favourites with professional musical direction and enthusiastic community involvement. It also marked the directorial debut at York Theatre Royal for long-time company member Annabel van Griethuysen, showcasing York Opera’s commitment to nurturing new local talent both on and off stage.

York Opera’s Interpretation

Staged at York Theatre Royal, this Pinafore embraced traditional G&S flair while enhancing character detail through subtle modern flourishes. The set, designed by John Soper, transformed the historic theatre into a ship at sea, with bold nautical costuming by Maggie Soper and period-accurate lighting from Eric Lund.

The cast balanced sincerity and satire, with standout comedic moments from Sir Joseph, Deadeye, and the chorus. Choreography by Amy Carter brought lightness and energy to the sailors’ antics.