Marton Parish Church Choral and Operatic Society presented a colourful version of "The Pirates of Penzance" in the church hall last night and the large audience saw a performance that would have done credit to a professional company.
Shortly after conductor Robert Atherton lifted his baton to conduct the 14-piece orchestra it was obvious that this was going to be an interesting and fresh production.
None of the humour or wit of this Gilbert and Sullivan gem was lost, and the entire company maintained a high standard.
Harold Rothwell dealt ably with the part of the conscientious Frederic and Kenneth Nicholls was an encore-earning Major-General.
Audrey Ilett could not have done better with her part as Ruth, nursery nurse turned pirate maid, had she lived all her life as a pirate.
Charles G Kay was thoroughly at home as the swashbuckling and moustachioed Pirate King and he was ably backed by his lieutenant, Peter Coward.
Isabel Straughton was a pretty and clear voiced Mabel while William Darbyshire gathered the laughs with the Sergeant of Police.
Barbara Darbyshire, Dorothy Brookfield and Thelma Booth played Edith, Kate and Isabel, and there was full support from the well-trained choruses.
Jennifer Straughton produced.  
The programme will be repeated nightly this week.            - S.G.