Lock up your daughters!

That's the message from Gwent's Lyric Musical Society which stages this popular Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera at the Congress Theatre from May 12 to May 15.

The society is enjoying the presence of seven new members from St James Operatic, from Roath, Cardiff. Ironically, they were rehearsing the opera but had to fold because of the lack of members.

Lyric Society's chairman Ron Constant said: "This obviously has been a help and we are all now in regular rehearsal and looking forward to our first night."

This comic opera tells the story of Frederic, an apprentice pirate. It turns out that he shouldn't have been a pirate but a 'ship's pilot'. Unfortunately his nurse-maid was somewhat deaf!

The action takes place on the last day of Frederic's apprenticeship but as he takes his leave he meets the daughter of Major General Stanley and the pair fall in love.

The plot now centres on where Frederic's loyalties lie and what follows is a comical battle of wits between the Major General and the pirates.

Two of the songs, I am the very model of a modern Major General and When a felon's not engaged in his employment, have been with us for more than 120 years and are as popular as ever.

The Lyric Musical Society, which is affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association and is supported by the Welsh Amateur Music Federation, is following its successful theme of G&S at the Congress Theatre.

Mr Constant said: "This is our first time with the Pirates of Penzance but we have in recent years done similar shows at the Congress." Producing the opera is Helen Timms and musical director is Peter Banks.