THE curtain will once again rise on the Swan Theatre almost four months after it was closed.

Great Witley Operatic Society will reopen the theatre with its production of Gilbert and Sullivan's popular operetta Pirates of Penzance.

But the road from the Swan announcing its financial crisis in September last year, closing in January and now reopening under Chris Jaeger and his Huntingdon Arts team, has been a long one.

"It's exhausting," said Mr Jaeger. "It's been a long road what with the political process and the grief.

"Over the last month, there have been a lot of things to do in the theatre but we are looking forward to the opening night.

"Great Witley Operatic Society always produces a very high quality performance.

"I haven't even been to any of the rehearsals yet, so the first time I see it will be when I'm in the audience on the first night."

And no one will feel a greater sense of relief than Mr Jaeger when the curtain finally rises again on Tuesday night.

"This has been a rollercoaster of emotions," he said.

The cast and crew of GWOS are raring to go said Jean Glover, the society's secretary.

"We're delighted to be back at the Swan," she said. "The company has been performing at the Swan since the mid-60s and we didn't want to perform anywhere else.

"When we got the dates for 2003 we found out we were the first of the amateur groups to perform but we had no idea then that we would be opening up the Swan again."

Last year the company performed another Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, Yeoman of the Guard, at the Swan.

"Pirates is a much more fun operetta," said Mrs Glover.

After the amateur season, which includes Table Manners by St John's Players, Chess by Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society, Guys and Dolls by Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society, professional touring companies will return to the Swan.

In June the theatre will stage Far From the Madding Crowd, starring Frazer Hines and Stephen McGann, a production of Jane Eyre by the Good Company theatre company.

The Great Witley Operatic Society is running free coaches to the showing of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance at the Swan Theatre, Worcester.

There will be several pick-up points around city for the shows on Tuesday April 29 at 7.30pm and Saturday May 3 at 2.30pm.

To find out about the pick-up points call Huntingdon Hall on 01905 611427.

Tickets can also be booked by calling this number.

Costs are £7 for Tuesday's show and £6 for Sunday's show.

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