The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company will bring four new performances to Malvern.

During the period of September 5 - 7, 2024, the company will present their versions of all-time favourites "The Gondoliers", "HMS Pinafore", "The Pirates of Penzance" and "Trial by Jury" at the Malvern Theatre.

Directed by Simon Butteriss (The Gondoliers and The Pirates of Penzance), Bradley Travis (HMS Pinafore), and Bruce Graham (Trial By Jury), the performances mark the company's return to Malvern.

The acclaimed National Festival Orchestra will accompany all the performances.

"We are delighted to welcome Gilbert and Sullivan audiences back to Malvern for another season of the best of Gilbert and Sullivan," says company director Janet Smith.

Ms Smith adds that the company's return to Malvern demonstrates the enduring appeal of Gilbert & Sullivan’s works and the friendly atmosphere of Malvern.

The programme includes a matinee and evening performances of "HMS Pinafore" and "Trial by Jury" on Thursday, September 5, "The Pirates of Penzance" on the evening of Friday, September 6, and matinee and evening performances of "The Gondoliers" on Saturday, September 7.

Praised for their witty satirical librettos and memorable musical scores, Gilbert and Sullivan contributed substantially to English operetta and musical theatre.

Their collaborative work, especially with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, led to the creation of 14 comic operas between 1871 and 1896.

These operas which often mocked Victorian society issues like class distinctions and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to enjoy popularity to this day.

The works of Gilbert and Sullivan, characterized by complex, funny characters, engaging plots, and a blend of spoken dialogue and music, have had a lasting impact on the development of musical theatre.

The combination of Sullivan's melodies and Gilbert's witty lyrics have rarely been equalled.

Tickets for these performances are now available directly from the Malvern Theatre Box Office or online.