A LOCAL operetta company is opening a brand new, riotous and colourful version of a classic show in Birmingham with the help of a new director.

Tinkers Farm Opera will deliver Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance with a cast of actors hailing from the Black Country bringing with them a taste of the unique.

With Sullivan's music delivered with precision and enthusiasm from the chorus, cast of soloists, and musical director Arthur Wrench, new director Jessica Dalton said she was committed to making her debut show with the company a "roaring success" and promises the Tinkers' version is one not likely to have been experienced before.

Pirates of Penzance follows the romance of awkward Frederick and beautiful independent Mabel against the backdrop of hen do's, 70's seaside resorts and biker gangs.

Playing the part of Ruth, part of the biker gang, will be Glynis Leaman, of neighbouring Stourbridge, and taking up the important Major General will be company chairman John Leaman, also of Stourbridge.

Joining them will be several other actors from nearby towns, including Halesowen, Bromsgrove, Redditch, as well as several young and experienced singers from the University of Birmingham G & S Society, some of whom are taking leading roles.

Tinkers Farm Opera's Pirates of Penzance will be playing at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, from Wednesday, April 29, until Saturday, May 2, with 7.30pm shows and a Saturday matinee performance at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available from Austin Plant on 01384 373670 or by visiting crescent-theatre.co.uk. For more information, contact Diane Hingley on 0121 550 2409 or 07764625287.