THE Cotswold Savoyards, renowned Cheltenham amateur operatic society, will be presenting their 102nd production, a double bill, at the Everyman Theatre in June. The show begins with the curtain raiser ‘Cox & Box’ and one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular shows, ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’. This will be the third time the society has presented this combination of shows.

Sheryl Walpole, of the Cotswold Savoyards, says: “Most people will know the story of ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’, or at least have heard of it, but probably not ‘Cox & Box’. It was a collaboration between F.C. Burnand, editor of ‘Punch’ magazine, and Sir Arthur Sullivan. It’s a fast moving, comic, one act story of two men renting the same room from a rascal of a landlord, Bouncer, without each other’s knowledge. Cox works by day and Box by night enabling Bouncer to get double rent for his single room until Cox, having a day off, comes home to find Box! In the mayhem that follows, the two tenants learn they’ve much more in common than simply sharing a room….!”

They will be presenting a traditional setting of ‘HMSP’ in which Anthony Jones, one of the society’s longest standing members, plays Sir Joseph Porter, a role he has played many times in the past not only for the Savoyards but also for Cirencester Operatic Society. Paul Scott, manager of the Playhouse Theatre in Cheltenham, plays the disfigured Dick Deadeye and Cathy Keating will be appearing as Josephine, the Captain’s daughter.

‘Cox & Box’ and ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’ will be performed at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June and is suitable for all the family to enjoy. There are discounts for under the 18s, school groups and groups of 10 or more. For tickets contact the box office on: 01242 572573 or www.everymantheatre.org.uk Follow the Cotswold Savoyards on Facebook and Twitter @Cotsavs