CARL Rosa Opera, following their sell-out tour of Australia and New Zealand, will be at Malvern Theatres next week with their award-winning production of that universally popular Gilbert & Sullivan operetta The Pirates of Penzance.

This new production offers the rare opportunity to enjoy the lost script and music from the first 1879 production.

The musical research of the world's leading Sullivan expert, Dr David Russell Hulme, has recreated the show's original finale that includes Hymn to the Nobility and all the hit songs, including A Policeman's Lot is not a Happy One, I Am a Very Model of a Modern Major General, and Poor Wandering One.

Carl Rosa's Pirates has already won five international awards during its extensive overseas tours and its prestigious cast includes Gillian Knight, Simon Butteriss, Bruce Graham, Kathleen Tynan and Richard Morrison. They will be joined by a 24-piece chorus and orchestra conducted by Opera North's Wyn Davis, Richard Balcombe and Dr David Russell Hulme.

Peter Mulloy, artistic director of Carl Rosa Opera, will recreate the original designs and production of The Pirates of Penzance.

It tells the story of Frederick the pirate apprentice who is torn between loyalty to the band of pirates and his duty as a law-abiding citizen, complicated by his love for Mabel, the beautiful daughter of Major General Stanley. But as always in Gilbert & Sullivan, after much confusion, humour and great songs, all is resolved happily!

The Pirates of Penzance plays Malvern from next Monday to Saturday. Tickets £20-£14. Box Office 01684 892277.