FEISTY females and swashbuckling Irish action will captivate Gympie Civic Centre audiences this weekend when St Patrick's College presents its biennial musical production, The Pirate Queen.

Based on the real-life story of the legendary Irish pirate chieftain and original pirate queen Grace O'Malley, the Gympie production follows a script written by Mary McMahon and Owen Grey.

This sparkling new musical is a rollicking blend of script and music.

In the fiesty female lead role as the pirate queen is Hollier O'Neill, who leads her motley crew on a swashbuckling adventure.

It's a tongue-in-cheek glimpse of piracy on and off the high seas, with pirates galore, whimsical leprechauns, plots and sub-plots and Queen Elizabeth 1 as a wily, worthy adversary.

There is ample chorus work and a range of exciting, modern-sounding "piratey" music from a new composer.

A liberal helping of comedy, sword fights, and a wide assortment of colourful characters give The Pirate Queen variety and appeal.

Under the guidance of talented director Liz Last, about 70 students will take to the stage and another 20 will be working behind the scenes helping to bring The Pirate Queen to life.

The pirate musical will rock Gympie audiences Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.

The production opens in the Heritage Theatre of the Civic Centre with two performances on Saturday and a final performance at a Sunday matinee.

Bookings can be made online at Trybooking.com or call in at the St Patrick's College office.

'Piratey' performances

 WHAT: The Pirate Queen by St Patrick's College.

 WHERE: Heritage Theatre, Gympie Civic Centre.

 WHEN: Friday, May 2, 7.30pm; Saturday, May 3, 1.30pm and 7.30pm; Sunday, May 4, 1.30pm.

 COST: $20 adults, $10 children, students and pensioners.

 HOW: Book online at trybooking.com or at the St Patrick's College office

 INQUIRIES: Phone the college on 5482 3816.