PRINCIPAL casting has been announced for the upcoming Mayflower Summer Youth Project production of The Pirates of Penzance which will be sponsored by Paris Smith Solicitors and runs from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 August. Charlie Steggall from Winchester plays Frederic, Suzanne Poole from Romsey plays Mabel, George Shrapnell from Andover plays Major-General Stanley and Theodore James from Eastleigh plays the Pirate King. Further principle casting includes Georgina Hendry as Police Sergeant, Dominic Green as Samuel and Jennifer Walker as Ruth.

Over 220 young local talented performers auditioned back in March for 160 places in this year’s Mayflower Summer Youth Project. The chosen company will be spending two weeks at the end of July rehearsing, with the project culminating in four performances at the Mayflower Theatre August 5-7.

Cast member George Shrapnell said, “I am really excited to be working with absolutely fantastic industry professionals as well as other budding young performers. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to appear on Mayflower’s stage again. This will be my fourth and sadly my final project as I will be too old next year!”

Mayflower Theatre Chief Executive, Michael Ockwell is directing the project once again and said, “We were delighted by the standard of the young people who auditioned and it made it very difficult to choose the final 160 – we aim to give them all a wonderful experience and a chance to perform on our stage. This production will stretch our talented young people as they will follow in the footsteps of Kevin Kline with his role of the Pirate King in this Broadway version of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic. I am also delighted that Paris Smith have kindly agreed to sponsor the Summer Youth Project this year, firmly cementing our partnership in the local community.”

Peter Taylor, Managing Partner at Paris Smith LLP added, “A community is undoubtedly defined by its culture. We know that the support of business can really make a difference to the breadth and depth of the culture and arts sector, which enhances the region in which we live and work. Equally as a business, Paris Smith is committed to enabling people to flourish and reach their full potential. It is a privilege for Paris Smith to be able to support the Mayflower Theatre Youth Project, adding to the vibrancy of the culture in the region along with the development of a group of inspired young people."

Some pirates are the scourge of the Caribbean, but not this bunch!

Mayflower Theatre’s Summer Youth production for 2016 sets sail on a high spirited hilarious adventure following a sentimental band of rogues and their swash buckling Pirate King. Frederic, the hero must remain an apprentice to the pirate gang until his 21st Birthday, which is all very well… Unless you were born on 29th February in a leap year!

With blundering policemen and a very modern Major-General, and a sensational score of memorable songs, join the cast for a jolly pirate romp in this Gilbert and Sullivan classic with a Broadway twist.

Fresh from the successes Bugsy Malone, Five of the Best and Oliver! the Mayflower production team are planning a spectacular show to 'buckle your swashes'!

Tickets for The Pirates of Penzance are on sale from Mayflower Theatre Box Office tel: 02380 711811 or online at mayflower.org.uk. Ovation Restaurant bookings: 02380 711833