RENOWNED Gilbert and Sullivan company, the West Yorkshire Savoyards, are set to perform in the region

The acclaimed northern touring company will be making a welcome return visit to St John's Church, in Sharow, just outside Ripon on Saturday, September 29, at 7.30pm, presenting their witty and sparkling stage show, Yeomen of the Guard.

Set in a dangerous Tudor England, The Yeomen of the Guard contains some of G&S’s finest music, comic dialogue, coupled with drama and intrigue, making this one of the most emotionally engaging of all the 'Savoy' Operas.

The talented and experienced Savoyards' cast is drawn from the region’s best opera companies and includes experienced Manchester soprano Helen Fieldsend as Elsie Maynard, and popular local actor and director, Graham Weston as the hapless jester, Jack Point.

Local retired vicar and church organist, John Colston, chairman of the Harrogate Dramatic Society, plays the part of Sergeant Meryll who hatches a plot with consequences no one can predict.

The production is in the capable hands of professional director, the former D'Oyly Carte company principal, Alistair Donkin.

The company has received the backing of TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh. The well-known broadcaster, novelist, journalist and gardener said, "The works of Gilbert and Sullivan continue to inspire and amuse generation after generation of music-lovers and theatre-goers, and the West Yorkshire Savoyards continue to enthral their audiences. With Sullivan's tuneful melodies and Gilbert's rapier-sharp wit coupled with the W.Y.S. high standards, any audience can be assured of a great night out!”

  • Tickets for The Yeomen of the Guard, at St John's Church, Sharow on Saturday September 29th at 7.30pm are priced at £12 with concessions (£10) available from 01765 600747 or on the door.