HMS Pinafore was first performed on May 25, 1878, and ran for 571 performances.

The Aireborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society have an important role in our local shows at the town hall.

They have a brilliant orchestra of 14 and an experienced and excellent MD in Maureen Earl who always gets the best out of her chorus and soloists.

The entire action takes place on board ship.

The stage set was excellent and constructed by Heather Field and Paul Dennison. Props too were well thought out. It is however the joyous singing of chorus and principals that give this show its vitality.

Andy Lunn is back this year as director. He has brought the company together in a refreshing production.

There is much work for sailors on board ship and the society is again so lucky to have many hale and hearty men on board.

The performance of John Tattersall as Sir Joseph KCB and Edward Thornton as Captain Corcoran were outstanding. Both have stage presence, splendid smooth toned singing voices and were a pleasure to listen to.

Andrew Baxter was rather horrid Dick Deadeye but vocally strong. Leading lady Josephine is played by Rowena Thornton whose voice reaches notes I never knew existed.

She is in love with Ralph Rackstraw, a common sailor played by Paul Richmond, her father is horrified and forbids her to see him. Matters are hugely complicated but of course everything becomes ship shape in the end.

Joan Tattersall was eye catching and impressive in the role of Mrs Cripps, her singing strong and resonant.

Margaret Barnes a pivotal member of the society who has beautiful voice plays Hebe. Martin Campey and Richard Edwards finalise the cast to good effect.

Next year will be the society’s 60th production. They are to give the ever popular The Pirates of Penzance.