The Pirates arrive from Penzance for Lytham show

The second show in the open air season at Lytham Hall sees Illyria’s cast of seven bringing their production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance to Lytham Hall.

This follows a spectacular start to the season at Lytham Hall as Chapterhouse Theatre drew more than 460 people who provided record ticket receipts for their performance of Sense and Sensibility.

Illyria’s Artistic director Oliver Grey’s production opened in Penzance itself last month, with special performances at the celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the granting of a royal charter to the Cornish town.

The company is now set to cross the country in a demanding 50-date tour in 68 days.

Oliver, who has been at the helm of the company for 23 years, feels that many of those who enjoyed The Mikado at Lytham Hall last summer will be on board for The Pirates this year.

“People brought up on the traditional D’Oyly Carte style of Gilbert and Sullivan find our approach quite different. In Pirates the cast double up furiously, which provides much of the humour, but it’s important, too, that we don’t lose sight of the need for top quality singing. The audience in Lytham was especially responsive last July and the cast is really looking forward this return visit,” he said.

Musical director Ben Wiles is pleased with the way the cast has gelled together.

“The Lytham Hall setting is one we particularly enjoy and I think the audience is in for an entertaining production of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most witty and ridiculous operettas,” he said.

Tickets and details of the show on Illyria’s own website www.uk.illyria.com.