ENJOY some outdoor theatre in a stunning and idyllic town centre setting.

The Illyria Theatre Company return to the Rose Bank Gardens for a second year as they present the Pirates of Penzance on Friday, July 11 in conjunction with Malvern Town Council.

Audience members are encouraged to bring along a picnic blanket and chairs to take in the fifth Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration which introduced the much-parodied Major-General's Song.

Illyria added opera to their regular season in 2011 and Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular comic opera is about Frederick, an apprentice pirate, born on February 29, who quits the pirate ship and falls in love with girl on land - until he learns he is contracted to the pirates until his 21st birthday, not his 21st year.

The show is packed with laughter, romance and a ship-full of memorable lyrics from the likes of To Be a Pirate King, Modern Major General and A Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One.

It is faithfully performed by a reduced cast and accompanied by a musical director on keyboard.

For more information and tickets, call Lyndsey Davies on 01684 566 667 or email ldavies@malvern-tc.org.uk.