Organisers of the International Gilbert & Sullivan reveal 2021 programme

The programme has been released for the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival next year.

The event, which draws performers and enthusiasts from across the globe, will be online only this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The main event will be held at the Royal Hall, Harrogate, from Sunday August 8 until Sunday August 22 2021.

There will also be a week of events at Buxton Opera House from Saturday July 31 to Saturday August 7 2021.

Buxton was where the festival was founded and Harrogate has been its home for more than five years.

Its founder Ian Smith died earlier this year. His family, including his wife Janet and son Neil, as well as friends vowed to carry on his legacy.

“Our aim is to celebrate the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, the writer and composer whose works are very much part of this country’s theatrical heritage,” said festival spokesman Bernard Lockett.

“The works continue to-day to be performed and enormously enjoyed throughout the world.

“It is generally acknowledged that G&S are the origins of the present day’s musical theatre genre and our festival and opera company are keeping this legacy alive and relevant to present-day audience,” he said.

The Royal Hall Harrogate programme for 2021 is ...

Sunday August 8The Mikado at 2.30pm and HMS Pinafore at 7.30pm. Performed by National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company

Monday August 9Iolanthe at 7.30pm. Peak Opera.

Tuesday August 10The Gondoliers at 7.30pm. Trent Opera.

Wednesday August 11Iolanthe at 2.30pm; Ruddigore at 7.30pm. Charles Court Opera.

Thursday August 12The Pirates of Penzance at 7.30pm. Brussels Light Opera.

Friday August 13The Yeomen of the Guard at 7.30pm. Forbear! Theatre.

Saturday August 14Patience at 2.30pm; The Mikado at 7.30pm. National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.

Sunday August 15The Pirates of Penzance at 2.30pm; HMS Pinafore at 7.30pm. National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.

Monday August 16Ruddigore at 7.30pm. Abbots Langley G&S Society.

Tuesday August 17The Mikado at 7.30pm. Ploverleigh Savoy Players.

Wednesday August 18Patience at 2.30pm; The Pirates of Penzance at 7.30pm. National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company