The Pirates of Penzance is probably the most famous operetta written by the Victorian equivalent of Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. They are of course, WS Gilbert And Sir Arthur Sullivan.

Even if you don’t know any Gilbert & Sullivan I’m pretty sure you’ve heard people say “a policeman’s lot is not a happy one.” That’s a song in the show.

The Pirates of Penzance we’re producing has a bevy of beautiful maidens, a gang of bloodthirsty, but as the same time rather nice, pirates and a rabble of comic policemen. Sprinkled in amongst this comic collection of characters is the Sergeant of Police, a Major General, The Pirate King and assorted hangers on.

The plot is typically G&S and there are some great songs in it. Wait for the beautiful rendition of “Hail Poetry” or even better “Poor Wandering One”, or maybe the very fast “I am the very model of a modern major general” or the swashbuckling “For I am a Pirate King.”

The song that all the Pirate gang loves is “With Cat Like Tread.” And if you come along to the show you’ll see why. It’s absolutely brilliant to sing and act in. I can’t wait for the performances to begin! We want everyone to enjoy it as much as we enjoy performing it.

And yes, the months of rehearsal are finally paying off. Because the production which is being put on at the Royal Northern college of Music starts on May 5th at 7:30 and goes straight through to May 8th.

Come along and see us because I can promise you that you’ll see a cast who love doing this show and have all the joie de vivre of a bunch of students. Mainly because most of them are students, from the University of Manchester.

Invest in a good time by getting your tickets from the RNCM box office either though the RNCM Web site or their Box Office Phone Line on 0161 907 5555.

After putting on Bugsy Malone in November Manchester University Gilbert & Sullivan Society (MUGSS) is swooping back into it’s true vocation Gilbert & Sullivan.

And putting on Iolanthe with a twist. Again at the Royal Northern College of Music in April.

Of course, it wouldn’t be MUGSS without a bit of a twist to the way the ever popular Victorian duo Gilbert & Sullivan’s shows are directed.

This time there’s a sixties influence and also a stick routine with the peers.

What does it mean?

Don’t ask me I’ve just started rehearsal this week, so I’m probably as clueless as you.

That said, I’m looking forward to the show and it seems like it’s going to be the usual load of fun.

You can sign up for more information at the MUGSS audience list