Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society has been rehearsing twice as hard as usual for its latest production.

A 40-strong cast is bringing a double bill of music and laughter to Ledbury's Market Theatre on Thursday and Friday, February 2-3.

They will perform The Zoo, a one-act piece without any spoken dialogue, and an abridged version of the enduring favourite HMS Pinafore.

At 45 minutes long, The Zoo is popular among Gilbert and Sullivan companies as a curtain raiser to a shorter operetta.

It is set in the grounds of London Zoo in the early 1900s and follows an apothecary who is frustrated in love and resolves to throw himself into the bear-pit.

Director Sue Coleman thinks audiences will enjoy the show.

"The Zoo is less well-known but it's full of wonderful music and is very funny," she said.

"I'm sure the audience will be laughing, we certainly were during rehearsals."

Mrs Coleman and fellow member Bridget Corlett produce the costumes for the society's productions, around 40 for each show, but with two sets to make that has doubled for this production.

"It's almost been a full-time job, but the costumes for The Zoo should be stunning to look at," said Mrs Coleman.

The society traditionally performs every year at Malvern Theatres and staged a production at Worcester's Swan Theatre last September. Vice-president Beryl Davies said members enjoyed performing in different places.

"We haven't been to Ledbury before and it's always good to go somewhere new," she said.

Tickets for the show cost £4-£6 (one child ticket free with each full paying adult) from Ledbury Books and Maps or from 01531 633760.