Swindon’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society are presenting Pirates of Penzance, one of the most popular of the famous duo’s operas’ this spring and members are donating half the proceeds from the first night to Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.

Julia Fryer from the society said: “We chose them because they are a local charity, and the work they do is amazing.

"Pirates is one of the best Gilbert and Sullivan shows (it’s definitely one of my favourites!), and it centres around the character of Frederick, a young pirate apprenticed to a ship full of tender hearted idiots, and his struggle to leave them and lead an honest life. But the pirates have other ideas.’’ Pirates of Penzance runs from April 17 to April 21 at Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town.

Tickets are from £13 to £15. To book, call 01793 524481 or go to www.swindontheatres.co.uk