Who needs a full cast?!

What do you do if you love Gilbert and Sullivan, but can’t even dream about mounting a full-scale production for the Melbourne Fringe?

May Jasper and Alia Vryens don’t let obstacles stand in their way and are performing the world’s first full cast production of Pirates of Penzance with only two cast members.

With a range from Pirate King to Mabel, they share the characters, attempt to sing six-part harmonies with two voices, and promise not to let a “silly little thing” like the plot get in the way of telling a good story.

Both have worked in independent theatre for over ten years, but are drawing heavily on their vast operetta experiences. Vyrens was Edith in the 1997 Upwey High School production of Pirates, although she desperately wanted to be Frederic. Meanwhile Jasper was 15 and playing Ruth in the Geelong Grammar School version.

May & Alia do Pirates! (of Penzance) plays from 26 to 30 September at Revolt in Kensington. It’s not in main Fringe Hub, but Revolt is one of the most amazing venues and is easy to get to with plenty of parking and there’s a train station a short walk away.

And if you don’t care who wins on Saturday 29 September at the MCG, there’s a 2 pm show.

More info on the Melbourne Fringe site.