As it’s the Albany Maritime Festival, there’s no musical more appropriate than the Pirates Of Penzance which will be jumping aboard the city’s Town Hall this weekend.

The cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan light opera launched their production on Monday when they “kidnapped” deputy mayor Paul Terry and promised to dump him at the Brig Amity until the council handed over “all their treasure”.

The jape was to showcase a production which features internationally renowned baritone James Clayton as the pirate king, the Albany Chamber Orchestra which is providing the live accompaniment, and a cast and crew of almost 30 people.

It is being run by Tetrafide Productions, the brainchild of Albany local Neville Talbot, and it the company’s first theatrical production.

Tetrafide’s aim is to focus on the training and development of local theatre talent whether on stage, backstage, or in technical roles.

There have been workshops at the town hall this week where members of the production team have been receiving support and mentoring throughout rehearsals.

The musical is a joyous romp featuring many familiar tunes telling the story of Frederick, who is mistakenly apprenticed to a band of pirates.

Clayton is one of Australia’s most versatile baritones, praised for his rich vocal colour and compelling stage presence.

Tickets are available from the town hall in York Street, or from the town hall website and cost several pieces of eight.

Cr Terry was returned to the council offices unharmed.