MUSIC and dance is set to entertain theatregoers in Worcester when a comic opera is staged at the city's Swan Theatre.

HMS Pinafore will be performed by the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society - and is particularly significant as it was the group's first-ever production when it was formed in 1892.

Curtis Fulcher, marketing officer for Huntingdon Arts, which runs The Swan Theatre, is just one of the cast of amateur thespians performing in the show, and is looking forward to ditching his suit in exchange for a costume.

The 22-year-old is no stranger to the stage, he studied for a HND in performing arts at Worcester College of Technology and has also starred in Salad Days at the Norbury Theatre, in Droitwich, in which he played the male lead Timothy.

Other productions include Jesus Christ Superstar, Kiss Me Kate, Company, The Owl and the Pussycat Went To See...

Curtis said he is thrilled to be back treading the boards at the Swan Theatre for HMS Pinafore, adding it makes a "delightful change" from the marketing office.

"The show tells the story of Josephine, the captain's daughter, who falls in love with Ralph Rackstraw, one of the sailors on board her father's ship," he explained.

"Unfortunately, this is not seen to be an ideal match by her father Captain Corcoran, as Sir Joseph Porter, Captain of the Navy, wants to marry her."

The part of Josephine is to be played by Laura Synnuck and Ralph Rackstraw by Richard Hulbert who played opposite each other previously in West Side Story.

This Australian version of HMS Pinafore was revised and staged with enormous critical and commercial success between 1994 and 2003 in Australia and New Zealand, but remains very British in its production.

"The show is a spectacular new brand of Gilbert & Sullivan, featuring a funky female chorus of sisters, cousins and aunts, an energetic singing and dancing chorus of sailors, a tighter, funnier script and a lively modern orchestration for just six instruments," said Curtis.

"Despite the changes however, the most beautiful songs for Ralph and Josephine are performed in traditional style.

"It's a show for all ages and thoroughly enjoyable entertainment."

And the Worcester News has six tickets to give away for the opening night of the show on Wednesday, April 20.

All you have to do to be in with a chance to win is send in a postcard answering the following question: Which version of HMS Pinafore will WODS be performing?

Include your full name, address and telephone number and the winners will be selected at random.

Send the postcards to Emma Cullwick, Worcester News, Berrows House, Hylton Road, St John's, Worcester, WR2 5JX.

n HMS Pinafore will be on at the Swan Theatre from Wednesday, April 20 to Saturday, April 23 at 7.30pm, then Tuesday, April 26 to Saturday, April 30, at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee performance on Saturday, April 23.

For tickets, which cost from £10, call Huntingdon Arts box office on 01905 611427.