THE Pirates of Penzance opens at Malvern Theatres on Wednesday.

The show will be Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society's last production in its current guise - as the amateur dramatics group has a new name and logo which they are hoping will bring them into the 21st Century with style.

The Evening News reported in October how members of the society, which started life as The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Worcester in 1973, were looking for artistic types to give them a younger, fresher image.

Many readers jumped at the opportunity to show off their creative talents and after a tough judging process, it was decided that a design by Jessica Corlett,s from Deblins Green, was the winner.

Jessica, a 19-year-old costume design student at London College of Fashion, created a logo based on the name Gasworcs - short for Gilbert and Sullivan Worcester - which includes a pirate and a Japanese woman to reflect the popular shows Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado.

Vicky McFarlane, Gasworcs committee member, said the judges had been impressed at the creativity and imagination that was unleashed by the entrants.

"Judging was quite a hard job, but the winning design was one which reflected what G and S is about - it is eye-catching, arty and depicts two of the most popular shows in our repertoire," she added.

"The new design will soon be used on all our stationery and promotional material - and Jessica will be able to see it in use for our next show, Iolanthe, in September."

Vicky, along with the runners-up, received free tickets to Pirates of Penzance - which promises to be a traditional, fully-costumed show.

Denise Churchett is directing and David Whitehouse has taken on the role of musical director.

With a full orchestra, a 50-strong cast, colourful costumes and excellent choreography, it promises to be an evening of first class entertainment.

Tickets for the show, which runs until Saturday, January 22, cost £5 to £10 and are available from the box office on 01684 892277.

As a special concession, one child will be admitted free and receive a free gift with each adult purchasing a full price ticket for the Saturday matinee.