The Norwich Gilbert and Sullivan Society is set to steal the hearts of locals this weekend.

A performance of Ruddigore or The Witch's Curse is being put on at St Cuthbert’s Church in Sprowston on Saturday, with members and fans encouraged to join the ‘come and sing’ semi-costumed concert.

The society was set up by the present secretary, John Balls, in 1978 to celebrate the Victorian theatrical partnership between dramatist William Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, who partnered on 14 comedic operettas.

With 50 current members, the Norwich group is affiliated with the national Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

This particular operetta focuses on a baronet in disguise, the latest in the noble line cursed to do an evil deed every day or to be tortured to death by ghosts of their ancestors. Opened in 1887 at the Savoy Theatre in London, it was their 10th collaboration.

Andy Weston is responsible for producing the concert versions of all the traditional operas.

For Mr Balls, this particular opera is close to his heart: He said: “I did a production of it at Thorpe Grammar School years ago and it was one of our best.”

There have been no other local performances of Gilbert and Sullivans operas this year, so Mr Balls added: “We thought we should fill a gap for Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts.

“Normally the East Norfolk Operatic Society performs them, but they have chosen to do Oklahoma this year.”

READ MORE: Canaries legend's shirt from FA Cup tie attracts huge auction bid

He encourages all to get involved, saying: “We would like people to come along and join in with the singing.”

“There will be copies of the music available.”

Later this year, the group expects to perform another of the operas, The Yeoman of the Guard, in November. 

Saturday's Sprowston performance begins at 7.30pm. Admission is free and refreshments will be available.