Pirates heading for Kingston (From Surrey Comet)

Mayhem Musical Theatre Company present Pirates of Penzance at the Arthur Cotterell Theatre, Kingston

10:20am Sunday 18th November 2012 in Leisure

The Gilbert and Sullivan classic musical the Pirates of Penzance comes to the borough this month bringing the rugged shores of Cornwall to the Arthur Cotterell Theatre, writes Tom Barnes.

The comic operetta, first performed more than 130 years ago in New York, will have a three-day run at the Kingston Hall Road venue, telling the classic tale of the hapless pirate’s apprentice.

Mayhem Musical Theatre Company musical director Jon Wade urges theatre-goers to come along promising the latest production is “one not to be missed”.

He said the latest production is loyal to the original 1879 musical, but admitted it has been updated slightly for a modern audience.

He says: “It’s always a challenge to take on such an iconic show that has been interpreted in the past in so many different ways. “The artistic team took the decision early on to embrace the beautiful orchestrations and graceful ballads of the original.

“Finding the right balance between traditional and current has been an exciting challenge and one that has truly reminded us all why Gilbert and Sullivan operettas have been loved by so many for so long in so many different ways.”

Young Frederic has just completed the 21st year of his pirate apprenticeship, bringing his time with the pirates to an end – or so he thinks.

We follow the youngster through some of his questionable choices after his apparent release. With firm favourites such as the effervescent I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General, this tale of love and loss, of lies and deceit, of honour and duty, resonates with audiences across the ages.

The Pirates of Penzance; Arthur Cotterell Theatre, Kingston College, Kingston Hall Road, Kingston; November 28 to December 1; £12 - £15; 01753 840495