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This was the first show that we performed, way back in 1978, when Maggie Thatcher was Leader of the Opposition, Nottingham Forest interrupted Liverpool's run of League Championships, Israel won the Eurovision Contest, and Boney M, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John ruled the Top 40.
A gang of pirates is celebrating the coming-of-age of Frederic who has been apprenticed to them since childhood. The Pirate King congratulates his apprentice on his successful grasp of the profession of piracy. Frederic replies that he has done his best for the pirate band simply because it was his duty but that, when he was apprenticed to the pirates, it was entirely by mistake. Ruth, his former nursery maid, confesses that she had apprenticed Frederic to a pirate instead of to a pilot. She finds comfort in remaining close to her charge throughout his apprenticeship and seeks now to change the nature of their relationship. Frederic tells the pirates of the dilemma as he feels that he must devote himself to their extermination if they will not return to civilisation. Still in their service for a few more minutes, Frederic is forced to reveal the cause of the pirates' failure to succeed in their profession. They are too tender-hearted and will not attack an orphan.
Frederic asks Ruth to honestly tell him whether she is beautiful. Almost at the point of accepting her claims he sees a group of girls in the distance. Ruth realizes that her deception has been discovered. Frederic rejects her and she leaves in despair.
The girls decide to go in paddling when Frederic appears. He admits he is a pirate and none of the girls will marry him except, finally, Mabel. The two whisper to one another as the girls listen in, pretending to discuss the weather.
The pirates arrive and each grabs a girl to take for his bride. At this point Major-General Stanley enters, identifies himself, and protests at the marriage of his daughters and his wards with a band of pirates. The Major-General decides to tell the pirates that he is an orphan. The pirates are much disgusted seeing their prey slip through their fingers yet again.
General Stanley is discovered seated pensively seeking solace from the guilt of his conscience. He has told a lie to the pirates; he is not an orphan. Frederic plans to lead an expedition against the pirates though the men he has found to take part in it are far from enthusiastic.
Frederic is alone when the Pirate King and Ruth appear. They explain that he is still bound to them, because having been born on February 29th, he is only five, and not yet twenty-one. Frederic realises that, on that basis, he must go with them for he is still duty bound to the pirates. He must now divulge the truth about General Stanley. Upon this disclosure the Pirate King announces that his vengeance on the General will be swift and sure.
Mabel enters, finding Frederic alone. He is determined to rejoin the pirates, despite her pleading. Mabel, left alone, decides to be as dutiful as her lover and she addresses the Sergeant of police to do their duty and capture the pirates. The Sergeant bemoans the task but see no alternative.
The Pirates are heard approaching and the police conceal themselves. The noise brings out the General. Mabel and all the general's daughters enter, curious to know why he is up so late. The Pirates and police struggle, the former winning. The General is promised swift death for his lie, but when it is disclosed that the Pirates themselves are noblemen gone wrong, everyone forgives everyone else and the ex-pirates win the girls after all.