HEREFORD Gilbert and Sullivan Society take to the stage this month with their production of the much-loved comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance.

A cast of swashbuckling pirates led by their Pirate King, pit their wits against a troop of blundering bobbies who try to protect Major General Stanley's daughters from being carried off to their pirate lair. The show is packed with memorable melodies, the usual witty patter song and the well known policemen's chorus.

This year for the first time the society has invited local schools to a special schools matinee on Wednesday, February 25, which proved hugely popular and is now fully booked.

More than 350 children from nine schools, aged from seven to 15, are attending and the production team has been running musical/dance/acting workshops in advance of the show to teach the children the story and some of the songs and action with props and costume.

The workshops are being run by professional stage director, Alistair Donkin, and musical director, Alan Durman with help from members of the cast.

Hereford Gilbert and Sullivan Society present The Pirates of Penzance at The Courtyard from Wednesday, February 25 to Saturday, February 28 at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk