THE Pirates of Penzance, the favourite, swashbuckling Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera featuring many well known songs, comes to Settle this month courtesy of the West Yorkshire Savoyards.

‘Energising and enthusing to watch’ and ‘punchy, toe-tapping and thrilling to hear’ is how recent productions by the touring company, has been described.

And on Saturday, September 14, the ‘Savs’ will make a return visit to Settle Victoria Hall with one of the most popular of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, The Pirates of Penzance.

Fast, funny and packed with satirical wit and musical excellence, the Pirates are setting sail in a new touring production which looks set to be a splash hit.

The Yorkshire based touring company which specialises in rousing productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operas has received the backing of TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh.

The broadcaster, novelist, journalist and gardener and former President of the West Yorkshire Savoyards said, “The works of Gilbert and Sullivan continue to inspire and amuse generation after generation of music-lovers and theatre-goers, and the West Yorkshire Savoyards continue to enthral their audiences. With Sullivan’s tuneful melodies and Gilbert’s rapier-sharp wit, coupled with the company’s high standards, any audience can be assured of a great night out.”

Once again, the director is former D’Oyly Carte actor, Alistair Donkin.

The production includes full sets, costumes and orchestra conducting by musical director Oliver Longstaff.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s blockbuster is among the most crowd-pleasing comic musicals in history, loved for its dynamite songs, gleefully entertaining story and saucy satire. Filled with Sullivan’s memorable melodies, it is described as ‘pure joy and sensational entertainment for everyone, young or old’.

A talented cast is led by popular local director, comic actor and leading ‘patter-man’, Graham Weston who plays the Major General - singer of ‘I am the very model of a modern major-general’.

John Colston plays the Pirate King and playing

the female lead of Mabel is the experienced principal soprano, Helen Fieldsend from Sale in Lancashire. The West Yorkshire Savoyards is drawn together from experienced singers and actors from companies throughout the north of England and is noted for its high standard of production.

Tickets for The Pirates of Penzance, at the Victoria Hall, Settle, on Saturday September 14 at 7.30pm are £15 with £14 concessions, available from the Box Office, 01729 825718.