THE crew at the Three Towns Operatic Society are sprucing up the ship in preparation for their production of HMS Pinafore.

Gilbert and Sullivan's first blockbuster is widely loved for its lively songs and memorable foot-tapping melodies.

Performed at St Joseph's Concert Hall on Chapel Street, Leigh, from Tuesday to Saturday, May 16 to 20, the society is promising pure joy and sensational entertainment for everyone.

The crew are trying to impress Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty (played by David Kay) and his beautiful sisters, cousins and aunts who accompany him.

Ralph, a common sailor (played by David Griffiths) has fallen in love with Josephine, his captain's daughter (played by Victoria Goulden), but her father has a more sophisticated suitor in mind.

The lovers decide to elope but are foiled by Dick Deadeye, a villainous member of the crew (played by Ken Rees).

He discovers the plot and tells the captain (played by David Reeves).

The cat o' nine tails twitches and all seems lost, but all is not what it seems.

Can the revelations of Little Buttercup (played by Barbara Mayers), who has a dark secret, save the day?

The curtain rises at 7.30pm on all five nights.

A production of Trial by Jury will proceed HMS Pinafore, giving the audience two shows for the price of one.

Tickets are £13 to £11, with concessions being available.

To buy tickets, or for more information, contact 01942 676594 or 01942 605369. Alternatively visit The Baby Centre on Queen Street, Leigh, or call 01942 665615.