John performs the role of The Pirate King in this production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance at English National Opera.

With its splendidly silly storyline, wild wordplay and well-loved songs, this Mike Leigh-created production of The Pirates of Penzance is irresistibly feel-good. An apprentice pirate woos the Major General’s daughter, while his bungling buccaneer-shipmates try to outwit an equally inept party of policemen. Its vibrant staging brings out the sunshine in the story.

London Coliseum:
2 December - 21 February 2025