THE Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society, having previously announced their autumn show as HMS Pinafore, have been forced to abandon ship!

Due to unforeseen circumstances the ship’s company has had to take to the lifeboars!

The society will instead, for its 50th show, be performing The Pirates of Penzance at The Swan Theatre, Worcester, from October 13-17.

“But never fear,” says the society’s spokesman Alan Freer. “As always, it will be a dazzling spectacular! “You can count on the same colourful costumes, bright and airy acting, and glorious singing from the foremost society in the area!

“Combine this with a chorus of swashbuckling pirates, potty policemen and a bevy of beautiful maidens, this is a golden opportunity to see a G&S favourite at its best.”

Later this year county opera fans will be able to see HMS Pinafore when the Carl Rosa Opera Company pereformit at the revived Malvern Festival at the Malvern Theatres.

One of the stars in the June show will be John Savident, better known, as butcher’s shop owner, Fred Elliott, in television’s Coronation Street.