Most popular Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera to be performed in Kington

Kington and District Operatic Society are preparing to take to the stage with probably the most popular Gilbert and Sullivan comic operatta.

They will perform The Pirates of Penzance from Thursday, October 29 until Saturday, October 31, which is packed with the usual brilliant mix of witty dialogue and memorable melodies.

The story follows Frederic, a young man mistakenly apprenticed to a band of incompetent pirates.

He falls in love with Mabel, one of the daughters of a bumbling Major-General.

Packed with absurd adventures and humorous twists, this timeless classic explores themes of duty and honour while poking fun at Victorian society.

Experience the charm of this beloved operetta, complete with a squad of cowardly police and the iconic song "I am the very model of a modern Major-General" in a performance by enthusiastic, local players at Kington Operatic Society.

The society first performed The Pirates of Penzance 56 years ago and this will be the eight time they have put it on.

Major-General Stanley will be played by Steve Hollinghurst, Tim Hollinghurst will play The Pirate King and Hiram Squire will play Samuel his Lieutenant.Frederic will be played by Russell Painter, Jess Squire will play Mabel, Sergeant of Police will be David Parkes, Edith will be performed by Abigail Hollinghurst, Rebecca Darch will play Kate, Trish Petterson will be Isabel and Dilys Hollinghurst will play Ruth.

General Stanley's Daughters will be played by Kit Beaton, Pauline Bowles, Penny Cole,Rachelle King, Jude Macarty, Midge Ault, Maggie Maynard and Tanya Parkes.The Pirates and Police will be performed by Jon Artus, Mark Beaton, John Beesley, David Francis, David Parkes, Ian Roper, Jim Smith, and Hiram Squire

The production team includes producer and director Lynne Owens, conductor and music director Lorna Firth, accompanist Kath Ainsworth, stage manager Linda Ellams, set design and construction by Linda Ellams and David Parkes, and lighting by Jon Artus and Helen Smith.

Beresford Vaughan is stage assistant, costumes are by Rachelle King and Leo's Theatrical Costumiers, make-up is by Elsa Francis and Janet Francis and publicity is by Daisy Cowan, David Francis, and Maggie Maynard.The front of house team includes Pam Banks, Frank Banks, Margaret Bowdler, Ann Dean, Howard Dean, Marion Gilling, Gill Kantollina, Risto Kantollina, Pat Roberts and Jackie Turner.

The shows will take place at Lady Hawkins Community Leisure Centre on Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30 at 7.30pm and on Saturday, October 31 at 2.30pm.

Tickets priced at £12 for adults and £6 for under 18's are available from the Burton Hotel or ticketsource.co.uk/kados.