Pirates are followed by Three Little Maids!

The renowned National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company will be making their first ever visit to The Apex, with two of the nation’s favourite comic operas; “Pirates of Penzance” and “The Mikado”.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s quintessentially English works have a continued world-wide appeal in the 21st Century. The witty, satirical and often political sensitive words of W S Gilbert, put together with Sir Arthur Sullivan’s exquisite and melodious music, make for a first rate show, regarded by many as being the origins of today’s musical theatre.

Set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu, “The Mikado” satirises British society, customs and pretensions through a farcical Gilbertian plot brimming with humour.

In the topsy turvy world of “The Mikado”, flirting is punishable by death and Nanki-Poo (the son of The Mikado disguised as a wandering minstrel) attempts to escape from the formidable Katisha and into the arms of his love, Yum-Yum. Meanwhile Ko-Ko, the hapless Lord High Executioner has much on his mind and needs to work hard to avoid his own decapitation!

“The Mikado” is arguably one of the most popular operas ever written and includes the musical numbers ‘Three Little Maids’, ‘Tit Willow’ and ‘A Wandr’ing Minstrel’.

“The Pirates of Penzance” is of equally enduring popularity, full of memorable melodies you will be humming all the way home.

Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, falls instantly in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a problem. Born on 29 February, he discovers that technically he must serve the pirates for another 63 years! Although very much in love, his dedication to duty is resolute. Can he and Mabel find a happy ever after?

It is jam-packed with sentimental, swashbuckling pirates who are really peers of the realm, a completely dotty Major General and a bumbling bunch of hopeless but hilarious policemen, what could possibly go right?

“The Pirates of Penzance” will be at The Apex on Friday, September 13, at 7.30pm, and “The Mikado” will be performed on Saturday, September 14, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

All performances are with a full chorus and principals and accompanied by the company’s National Festival Orchestra.

See www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more information or to book tickets.