KEIGHLEY youngsters are being invited to set sail on HMS Pinafore at this year’s Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Harrogate.

The Festival Youth Production of the comic opera is open to young people aged between nine and 19 who love to sing and act.

The show will be performed in Harrogate on August 12, following rehearsals each day in Harrogate from August 5.

The Youth Production is sponsored by the festival as part of its active programme of youth initiatives, and provides an opportunity for young people to learn about theatre, opera, singing and acting.

There is no charge for participants.

Festival director, Ian Smith, said: “The Festival Youth Production is always a highlight of the festival, and many of our young people have gone on to have outstanding careers in the world of theatre and music.”

“Gilbert & Sullivan is the ideal introduction to opera and musical theatre.”

E-mail janet@gsfestivals.org or call 01422 323252 for more details. Auditions will be in Harrogate in May.

The 24th Gilbert & Sullivan Festival will run from August 4 to 20, with more than 30 fully-staged performances in the Royal Hall and the specially built ‘Savoy Theatre’ next door.

Visit gsfestivals.org or call 01422 323252 to book tickets.