MEMBERS of Liphook’s Methodist Amateur Dramatics (MAD) Company and Love to Sing Choir brought the house down at the Millennium Centre with a truly memorable performance in an abridged version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s infamous comedic opera The Pirates of Penzance.

Combining the talents of the MAD Company and the voices of the Love to Sing choir, both companies performed to a sold out audience, for a one night only charity performance.

A first for Liphook, Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera entertained the audience with a tale of piracy, love and honour. Set in 19th Century Cornwall, a band of pirates led by their dim-witted pirate king (Mandy Coluccia) and his helmsman Samuel (Bethany Breach), bid farewell to Fredrick (Tatum Shields) and Ruth (Susan Calvert) as they leave behind the vile trade of piracy.

Farewells said, the adventure took them to encounters with a fine bevy of young ladies and their father – the Major General (Tony Robinson). A love story ensued between Fredrick and Mabel (Hazel Simmons) resulting in the hapless Ruth leaving her charge and returning to the pirate fold – avoiding capture by the useless Cornish police, led by fearful Sergeant (Kevin Stephenson).

The pirate king and his rollicking band set out on a rampage to overcome the Major General, marry his daughters and draw young Fredrick back to their pirate family.

Performing on stage with the cast, the choir supported their spellbinding and enigmatic performances, which were expertly staged from start to finish. Directed by Vanessa Breach the show was a definite departure from the MAD Company’s annual Pantomime performances, leaving the audience wanting for more.