The world’s most popular Gilbert and Sullivan production “The Pirates of Penzance” premiered in 1879, first at the Bijou Theatre in Paignton before opening in New York. It was an immediate hit and within weeks of opening, touring and amateur performances were being arranged.

  George Lloyd’s first opera was inspired by The Nine Maidens standing stones near St Columb Major, and tells the story of one of the Maidens who comes back to life as a fairy. First performed in 1934 at the Pavilion in Penzance. It was recorded in 1985 by the