The Bermuda High School for Girls is presenting the comic opera ‘Pirates of Penzance’ this week — but these particular pirates are from Pembroke and their story is a little different from what Gilbert and Sullivan initially envisioned.

The show will run in BHS’ auditorium until Friday night.

The school’s drama teacher, Polly McKie, said audiences should enjoy this musical tale with a twist.

“The musical was written over 100 years ago and set in Penzance, Cornwall,” she said.

“But our pirates are going to be from Pembroke. Gilbert and Sullivan operas are rarely performed now — even the G&S society don’t perform them anymore — so it is always good to do something a bit different.”

Ms McKie said that choosing a play for an all-girls school to present can often be a difficult one but this show was more easily cast.

“Girls usually don’t like to play the male roles, but they are more than happy to be pirates,” she said. “The original play was written over 100 years ago, but the lyrics are still relevant, clever and funny. It was also important that Kate Ross, the musical director, and I agreed on the choice of show and we did!”

Prior to the auditions, the girls learned a few of the songs, were told the story and were given information about all the characters.

“Many of the lyrics used are challenging and it has been a great chance for the girls to broaden their vocabulary,” said the drama teacher.

“The music is also challenging and Kate Ross has taught many of the songs in four-part harmony, which is quite a feat with an all-female cast!

“We have also been extremely lucky to have Devaune Ratteray as our choreographer. Devaune played Ali Baba in the Bermuda Music and Dramatic Society pantomime and I asked if he would like to help. He has been wonderful!

“Also drama teacher Jane Thorpe is a great help with all the technical aspects. She has guided the girls who will be running the lights and sound for the production.”

Ms McKie said the most exciting part of the experience is how many students have been involved.

“While there is huge staff help and support, students are always encouraged to take responsibility and learn from the experience,” she said.

“Girls have been doing everything from running the box office to stage-management of the production. The number of students involved behind the scenes is greater than the number on the stage.”

Staff members Susan Gorbutt and Paula Harrison were in charge of costumes, but most were sourced by the girls and their parents. “The staff and parental support in all aspects of the production has been overwhelming,” Ms McKie said.

“I do not think that any school production would happen without them.”

The cast ranges from students in Year 7, who are 11 years old, to those in the International Baccalaureate Programme II, who are 17 years old.

The set has been designed by art teacher Fiona Lewis.

“I met Mrs. Lewis and explained that I wanted a Bermudian theme and I told her that the pirates are from Pembroke, rather than Penzance, and she has surpassed all expectations,” Ms McKie said. “Inspired by images at Dockyard and Bermuda shorelines, she has worked for many hours with a group of students to create a wonderful set.

“Dan DeSilva has built a pirate ship, which he has cleverly remodelled from a sleigh originally borrowed from Saltus.”

Tickets are available by e-mailing boxoffice[AT]bhs.bm.

Show-time is 7.30 p.m.