The redevelopment of Ararat Performing Arts Centre means Stawell will have the opportunity to host the production.

Director Grant Johnson said the new venue would provide the opportunity for a wider range of music theatre lovers to enjoy the show produced by residents in the region. 

“Pirates is based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘The Pirates of Penzance’,” he said.

“And while all your favourite songs such as The Pirate King, Modern Major General, Poor Wandering One and Tarantara Tarantara are included, be prepared for many surprises and plot twists and turns.”

The production features a cast of 40, a 16 piece live band and a back stage crew of 20, with the production in rehearsal since February.

The Pirates production will also feature three Stawell women, with the lead role to be played by Stawell’s Maree Fraser.

“Around a third of the cast, crew and band are even from Stawell and the surrounding area,” Mr Johnson said. 

The musical direction was guided by Wally Pope, with the show also featuring a “lavish” set and costumes.

“I have always loved Pirates of Penzance and thought if I ever got to direct a production of this show I would love to add some modern twists, pirate pop culture references and plenty of humour,” Mr Johnson said.

“We really hope our loyal Ararat audiences will travel the short distance up the highway to Stawell to see this year’s production and support us.

“But we also hope audiences from Stawell, Halls Gap, Horsham and the wider area come along for what will be a great night of entertainment, laughs and memorable tunes.”

Assistant director Jodie Holwell said rehearsals had started to ramp up ahead of the final production in three weeks. 

“Everyone has put in a lot of effort,” she said.

“The songs, choreography and costuming is really coming together really well.

“We even have a full-size pirate ship as a prop, so the show will really come to life.”

Ms Holwell said Pirates had been on the wishlist of productions to do for three years.

“It’s great that it has finally come together and we will be able to put on this show for people in the region,” she said. 

Pirates will be in the Stawell Entertainment Centre on Saturday, June 3, Sunday, June 4, Friday, June 9, Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11.

Online bookings through stagecenta.com or cash only tickets at the door.