HMS PINAFORE is the operetta that turned Gilbert and Sullivan into household names. And a new production coming to Bath next week hopes to cast a new light on a mainstay of British theatre.

The Carl Rosa Company has built its reputation on remaining faithful to the spirit of Gilbert and Sullivan's work while taking a new look at it.

And this production, starring ex-Doctor Who Colin Baker as Sir Joseph Porter, is no exception.

Director Timothy West said: "With a clean slate, we can examine what HMS Pinafore is really about.

"Whenever I have to work on something that's terribly well-known, and which has been seen produced in every conceivable way, I give the script to my imaginary friend Graham for his off-the-cuff reaction.

"Graham is completely ignorant about the theatre and the opera, and when confronted with a text will know nothing about the piece, the writer, the style, the date, or anything else.

"His analysis perhaps might go something like this: 'It feels like Hurrah for the Royal Navy. A salute to Nelson, HMS Victory and all that traditional stuff.

"'But hang on - by 1878 every new warship was steam-powered. So things are changing, aren't they? Staffing is changing, too. What's this, a solicitor's clerk at the head of the Admiralty?

"'The girl - she's got a comfortable home in Gosport or somewhere and she's thinking of giving it all up just because she fancies that hunky sailor. That's not very Victorian, is it? They've all been caught in the winds of change.'

"I agree with Graham. It is the winds of change that fill the sails of HMS Pinafore and steer her on her dramatic course."

HMS Pinafore comes to Bath Theatre Royal from February 2 to 7. Tickets range from £18 to £31 and are available from the box office on 01225 448844.