Peterhead’s harbour has sheltered fishermen, whalers and explorers over the years and the north-east port will now host the Pirates of Penzance as part of a unique travelling opera.
Scottish Opera’s Pop Up Opera project is touring again this year and local performing arts troupe Theatre Modo is hosting the performance in the town later this month.
The 25-minute production of A Little Bit of Pirates of Penzance, an adaptation of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic operas, is being brought to life by a narrator, singers, musicians and a series of illustrations.
It is performed from a specially adapted trailer, designed to look like a miniature version of the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. It is hoped the project can help the cultural regeneration of Peterhead’s town centre.
In the show, the character, Frederic, has fallen for Mabel, but he is an apprentice to a pirate king and a blundering band of rogues.
The love-struck hero struggles to find a way to escape his ties and live happily ever after.
There will be six performances during June 27 and 28. Five of those will be reserved for local schoolchildren and a public showing of the Gilbert and Sullivan opera will be on the evening on June 27.
Jane Davidson, Scottish Opera’s director of outreach and education, said: “Once again, we are taking both high and low roads across Scotland to bring these miniature productions to festivals and events, managed and run by local people.
“Our travelling opera houses are unique in the UK and we look forward very much to engaging with new audiences of all ages wherever they live and whatever their interests.”
Martin Danziger, creative director of Modo, added: “It is special and extraordinary to have an opera house pop up in Drummers Corner.
“We are trying to get people to buy into cultural activities and they are bringing a show in their red velvet wonderland trailer right to us. We are really trying to reimagine what Drummers Corner can be used for.”
To reserve a space, email martin@modo.org.uk
