BRITAIN'S oldest opera company will be flying the skull and crossbones flag when it brings its internationally award-winning operetta to Malvern Theatres.

The Carl Rosa Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance at Festival Theatre following a sell-out tour of Australia and New Zealand.

And the production offers the rare opportunity to enjoy the lost script and music from the very first 1879 production after research by leading expert Dr David Russell Hulme recreated the show's original finale, featuring Hymn To The Nobility.

All the familiar songs, including A Policeman's Lot Is Not A Happy One, are also included.

Carl Rosa's Pirates of Penzance has already won five international awards during its overseas tours and its cast includes Gillian Knight, Simon Butteriss, Bruce Graham, Kathleen Tynan, Susan Gorton and Richard Morrison.

The show runs from Monday to Saturday, November 10, and performances take place at 8pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

There is also a pre-show talk at 7pm on Tuesday.

Tickets cost £14-£20 from the box office on 01684 892277.