SOUTHAMPTON University's Light Operatic Society, aka LOpSoc, is gearing up for their forthcoming production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore.

The show is a parody of a melodrama set to some of the pairing's most atmospheric music.

The operetta is set in the Cornish fishing village of the title and unfolds against the backdrop of a curse placed on the Murgatroyd family for burning a witch. The curse says that the baronet of Ruddigore has to commit a crime each day or perish in inconceivable agony.

The baronet, disguised as Robin Oakapple, a young farmer, is in love with Rose Maybud. She is also in love with him but they are too shy to tell each other.

His brother, Despard, believes he is dead and assumes the title of baronet.

Unfortunately Rose has another admirer, Richard, who informs Despard of his brother's deception, causing 'Robin' to lose Rose to Richard.

To make matters even worse, the baronet is then confronted by the ghosts of his ancestors for failing to commit his daily crime.

He has to find a way of winning back Rose and satisfying his ancestors without being forced to turn to a life of crime.

Boldrewood Lecture Theatre, March 9-12