A HOST of pirates, policemen and merry maidens will be taking over the stage of the Abbey Theatre next week.
St Albans Youth Music Theatre are putting on an all-new production of Gilbert and Sullivan's family favourite, The Pirates of Penzance, from Wednesday, April 6, to Saturday, April 9.
Administrator Sally Wilson said: "We are performing the 'Broadway' version of the show which is more pacy, modern and fun than the original.
"The cast have loved it and our aim is to bring Gilbert and Sullivan to a whole new audience so they can love it too."
St Albans Youth Music Theatre comprises youngsters aged between 10 and 18. Previous shows have included such hits as The Wiz, Godspell, Guys and Dolls and Bugsy Malone.
Alumni includes S Club 7's Paul Cattermole, TV face Adam Astill and West End performers Bobbie Chatt and Sarah Whittuck.
Sally added: "We audition a host of young people each year and can only take the cream of the crop. Many, such as Sophie Roch and Edward Mitton, have been with us for all their teenage years and only leave when they go away to university."
Edward, aged 16, a pupil at Sandringham School, is also choreographing the production. He said: "It has been a challenge but I have thrived on it and I can't wait to see my work up their on stage."
Taking lead roles will be Daniel Barry, Rhiannon Drake and Nick Oram while at the helm are local director John Stenhouse and musical director Susana Castellot.
The show starts at 8pm at the Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, St Albans. Tickets are priced between £6.50 and £8, available from the Abbey Theatre box office on 01727 857861.
© Herts Advertiser, February 2005. Reproduced by permission