Devotees of Gilbert and Sullivan in Blackpool will never be without live performance of the Savoy Operas as long as we have such expert local enthusiasts as the Marton Parish Church Operatic and Dramatic Society.   In over 40 years they have performed most - and probably all - of the operas more than once.
And they have acquired a musical and theatrical expertise second to none which is a credit to such a comparatively small society.
Their latest offering is the ever-popular "The Pirates of Penzance", which is to be staged in the Church Hall, Preston Old-road, next week.
The principals include Eric Gilfoy as Frederic, John Burn as Major General Stanley, Conrad Pate as the Pirate King, Alan Brown as the Sergeant of Police, and Jim Millard as Samuel.   Mabel will by played by Margaret Elkin, Ruth by Marilyn Wilson, and Edith, Kate and Isabel by Bebe Hilton, Tina Bywater and Margaret Hayhurst.
Robert Atherton is musical director and John Shedwick the producer.

The ever popular Gilbert & Sullivan opera, "The Pirates of Penzance", is this year's choice by the Marton Parish Church Operatic and Dramatic Society.
The spirited tale of piracy, deception and devotion to duty is performed with an enthusiasm which would put many professional performances to shame.
The popularity of Gilbert & Sullivan cannot be doubted - the full house on the opening night proved that - and it is hardly surprising with the liveliness and clarity of so many of the songs.
 The limitations of a church hall could show through but the Marton Society overcame all this and their obvious enjoyment of the music spurs chorus and leading singers alike into memorable performances, which the audience lap up.
 In a production where everyone shines it is unfair to single out individual performances but Conrad Pate, as the Pirate King, and Margaret Elkin as Mabel, the Major-General's daughter who falls in love with Frederic, the Pirate apprentice (Eric Gilfoy), deserve special mention.
The opera, in the Church Hall, Preston Old-road, is on until Saturday November 17th and deserves the support of everyone who wants a thoroughly enjoyable night out.