The Pirates of Penzance Background Songs in music theatre - The Pirate King The Pirates of Penzance is a piece of music theatre that has endured (like many of Gilbert and Sullivan's works) for over a hundred years. It is performed by professional and non-professional companies throughout the world. In music theatre, songs are used in many different ways. Sometimes the song tells us something about characters in the story, sometimes they explain the plot, sometimes they make points or observations that are part of what the show is about. Some songs are for soloists or small groups, some are for the whole company. The Pirates of Penzance was written by W. S. Gilbert (the lyricist) and Sir Arthur Sullivan in England in 1880. It was announced as a 'comic opera'. It parodied the opera of the day and also satirised English society of the day. The Song Pirate King shows the pirate king as a man who sees his profession as not exactly moral - but as more honest than the kind of piracy that happens legally. He observes that leaders, monarchs, politicians and other 'respectable' people often do more dirty work than he does, in order to hang onto their position or feather their nests. Movement and Lyrics This song is performed with the pirate king singing the lead, or solo parts, and a chorus of pirates joining in the chorus. The pirates are in two groups, adding variety to the sound. ..... continue Lesson/Activity - Free for you to use! Setting the Stage - The Movements and the Lyrics The Sheet Music Listen to the Song, and the Backing The Pirates of Penzance adapted for young performers - The Hire Kit