JORVIK Gilbert and Sullivan Company return to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, on April 11 to present Cox & Box and a selection of G&S favourites at 7.30pm.

Adapted from John Madison Morton’s farce Box And Cox, Cox & Box was Sir Arthur Sullivan’s first foray into comic opera, in which old soldier Sergeant Bouncer has a scheme to extract double rent from a single room.

By day, he lets it to Mr Box, a printer who is out all night; by night, to Mr Cox, a hatter who works all day. Bouncer’s plan works well until Mr Cox unexpectedly is given a day off, whereupon the two lodgers meet, discovering they share more than the same bed.

The principal roles go to Mark Simmonds as Sergeant Bouncer; Stuart Roberts as John James Box and Alex Schofield as James John Cox, Alex also doubling up as press officer.

Explaining more about next weekend’s production, he says: “As well as performing the funny and musically enjoyable Cox & Box, our second act will consist of a selection of some of the most well-known and popular Gilbert and Sullivan music and will chart the history of the famous and prolific partnership.

“A mixture of solos, ensemble pieces and chorus numbers from a range of shows, such as The Pirates Of Penzance, The Mikado and H.M.S Pinafore, means there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”

Simmonds, Roberts and Schofield will be joined on soloist duty in the show’s second act by Fiona Bowman; James Butterworth; Jennifer Carter-Shaw; Lois Cross; Nigel Hobman; Maggy Lamb and Georgie Martin.

Jorvik G& S have performed their latest production already, in aid of Poppleton Methodist Church’s Kenya Tearfund.

“They got our Concerts for Kenya series off to a flying start on March 21 with a really well received performance,” says John Middleton, from the church, which is linked to a group of Kenyan churches now fighting poverty and developing village communities with the aid of the British charity Tearfund.

“As well as rapturous applause, £378 was raised for villages in Kenya and this money will certainly be put to good use.”

Tickets for April 11 cost £10, concessions £9, under 16s free, on 01904 623568, at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or via email to tickets@jorvikgsc.org.uk

Jorvik Gilbert and Sullivan Company are busy making plans for their next show too. Rehearsals for a fully staged production of The Sorcerer at the Rowntree Theatre from September 17 to 19 will start on April 13 at 7.30pm at Huntington Methodist Church.

“If you want to tread the boards, meet new people and have fun along the way, then why not join us?” says Alex. “All are welcome and we do not hold auditions for chorus members, as we want to be fully inclusive and believe that anyone who wants to turn up and sing should be able to do so.”

For those wishing to be considered for principal roles, auditions will be held on Sunday, April 19. Please email auditions@jorvikgsc.org.uk to request an audition slot and for a copy of the audition pieces.

The first principal rehearsal will be held on Saturday, April 25, with full company rehearsals continuing on Monday nights.

“If you’re interested in joining, feel free to go along to the first rehearsal or contact us for more information at jorvikgsc.org.uk or email info@jorvikgsc.org.uk,” says Alex. “You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @JorvikGSC.”