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The Pirates of Penzance


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First Night Casts


The Pirates of Penzance had three premières: a performance to establish the British Copyright by one of D'Oyly Carte's Pinafore Touring Companies at the Royal Bijou Theatre, Paignton, Devon, on 30 December 1879; the New York première at the Fifth Avenue Theatre on 31 December 1879 and the London première at the Opéra Comique on 3 April 1880.

In early performances, the Pirate King was given the name Richard and the Sergeant of Police was called Edward. In addition, James, a pirate, appeared in the Paignton performance.


Paignton Cast

Click on picture to enlarge Major-General Stanley Richard Mansfield
The Pirate King F. Federici
Frederick Llewellyn Cadwaladr
Samuel G. J. Lackner
James John Le Hay
Sergeant of Police Fred Billington
Mabel Emilie Petrelli
Edith Marian May
Isabel Kate Neville
Kate Lena Monmouth
Ruth Fanny Harrison

New York Cast

Major-General Stanley J. H. Ryley Click on picture to enlarge
The Pirate King Mr Brocolini
Frederic Hugh Talbot
Samuel Furneaux Cook
Sergeant of Police F. Clifton
Mabel Blanche Roosevelt
Edith Rosina Brandram
Isabel Jessie Bond
Kate Billie Barlow
Ruth Alice Barnett

London Cast

Click on picture to enlarge Major-General Stanley George Grossmith
The Pirate King Richard Temple
Frederic George Power
Samuel George Temple
Sergeant of Police Rutland Barrington
Mabel Marion Hood
Edith Julia Gwynne
Isabel Lilian La Rue
Kate Neva Bond
Ruth Emily Cross

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