Venue: Castle Drogo (National Trust)
Welcome on board HMS Pinafore, flagship of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy - the perfect place to mock such stalwart institutions as Government, Patriotism and even the Great British Class system! No wonder Queen Victoria made her most famous utterance about the original production in 1878: “We are NOT amused!” Josephine, the captain’s daughter, is in love with Ralph, a common sailor. But her social-climbing father insists that she is to marry Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty – whose roving eye has already noticed her. The young lovers are caught as they elope from the ship and Ralph is locked in the ship’s dungeon. Can revelations made by Buttercup, the dockside vendor, enable everyone to marry their true hearts’ loves? Full to the gunwales with sharp dialogue and catchy tunes, this timeless comic opera is performed outdoors by a cast of six outstanding performers from the world of musical theatre, on a spectacular nautical set and using Sir Arthur Sullivan’s full score.

Illyria supports the Equity union's Charter for Outdoor Theatre


For further information about accessibility, dogs, and food/drink, please contact the venues directly.

Bring low-backed seating, blankets, and picnics if desired
Refreshments should be available at all venues apart from Hartland Abbey - picnics are welcome. To pre-order a picnic for shows at Tapeley Park, please see info on Rob's Soul Foods on Facebook.
Free entry to gardens 2 hours before 6:30/7pm performances (1 hour before earlier performances)
Most shows are approx 2 hours including an interval
Dogs on leads welcome at most venues. Assistance dogs only at Castle Drogo.
There will be a cash raffle at each event.
Tickets will be available on the gate.