Utopia Unlimited stage: The Pirates of Penzance across Derbyshire venues

Utopia Unlimited, a Derbyshire-based inclusive youth theatre company, will present a full production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance this summer, with performances in Bakewell and Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Performed by a cast of young people aged 8–21, the production forms a key part of Utopia Unlimited’s 2026 programme. The project gives participants the opportunity to take part in a large-scale operetta, combining principal roles, ensemble work and live music, while performing across multiple venues.
The production will be accompanied by a pianist and has been developed to support young performers in tackling a classic work in an ambitious but supportive environment. For many of those involved, this marks their first experience of performing a full Gilbert and Sullivan operetta for a public audience.

Alan Bamber, Producer of Utopia Unlimited, said:
“This production gives young performers the chance to work at a high level while feeling supported as part of an ensemble. Performing the show in different venues helps them understand how theatre adapts to different spaces and audiences.”

The Pirates of Penzance will be performed at the Medway Centre on Friday 12 June at 7:30pm, and Saturday 13 June at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Further performances will take place at Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall on Saturday 27 June at 2:30pm and 7:30pm.

The production links with Utopia Unlimited’s wider summer programme, which also includes Pocket Pirates, a condensed, family-friendly version of The Pirates of Penzance created for festival audiences.

Pocket Pirates will be performed at the Buxton Festival Fringe on Sunday 12 July, with performances at 2pm, 5pm and 7:30pm.

Tickets and further information are available by emailing hello@utopiaunlimited.com. or by following this link: https://utopiaunlimited.com/2026-pirates-of-penzance/