DIANNE Leech flew all the way from the Gold Coast for the opening night of Gladstone stage production Pirates of Penzance.

The modern take on the original which premiered in New York city in 1879 had the audience laughing so hard their sides hurt.

For Ms Leech, her mother Dorothy and their friend Pat Bodet it was a girls' night out like no other.

"I wanted to come because my eldest brother who is now 78 was in the same production when he was in boarding school," Mrs Bodet said.

The women were among an audience of more than 200 and said the performers' modern twist with a simple cast of six, had made the show even more humorous.

"I think it's great Gladstone is able to get shows like this," Ms Leech said.

"And who could forget about the pianist. She did an amazing job."

The show was for one night only, but March is set to be an action packed month for the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Visit www.gladecc.com.au for details on upcoming shows this month.