THE much-loved, highly-acclaimed all-male HMS Pinafore is embarking on an extensive UK Tour to ensure no-one misses the boat.

The show will come to Malvern Theatres from Tuesday July 5 to Saturday July 9.

A spokesman said: "Join the hilarity of Gilbert and Sullivan with the award-winning company that brought you the all-male productions of The Pirates of Penzance.

"Set in the hold of a Second World War battleship, the cast of 16 skilfully play both burly sailors, in the working underbelly of the vessel, and their lady visitors."

The spokesman added: "This is a frisky, innovative and heartfelt production. Its simple set and beautiful costume design allow maximum scope for inventiveness from the cast, whereby physicality and voice are key to telling the story."

Inspired in part by director Sasha Regan’s experiences of performing Gilbert and Sullivan at a single-sex school, the production plays on the humour that can emerge from these gender changes.

The spokesman added: "The production’s all-male context lends much dramatic irony to moments such as Buttercup’s attempt to comfort the captain with the immortal line, ‘Fear not, I am a mother’." .

One of the most popular Gilbert and Sullivan operas, dealing with the age old conundrum of love between social classes, "Pinafore has infectious tunes and a beautifully constructed libretto which is a perfect match for this creative team’s inimitable style".

HMS Pinafore will be appearing at Malvern Theatres from Tuesday July 5 to Saturday July 9. Tickets are on sale at the Box Office 01684 892277 and online at malvern-theatres.co.uk