BERE Alston tenor Tyrone Piper will be playing a lead role in the next Gilbert and Sullivan Fellowship performance in Plymouth in June.

For the first time in its history, the fellowship is stepping outside the G&S canon to present Franz Lehar's 'The Merry Widow' under the direction of Alan Spencer, renowned for his productions at the Buxton International G&S Festival with full orchestra under the musical direction of Dr Paul Foster.

Tyrone, who won Atlantic FM Radio Station's talent contest in 2007 and recently released his first album, will be playing the role of Camille.

Brentor residents Peter and Terry Clement will play Baron Zeta and Sylvia, Tavistock's Peter Griffith is Kromov and Hilary O'Neill from Yelverton will play the part of Praskovia.

Also featured will be Isla Ellis and Rosy Griffith, both Tavistock residents, and Gill Wyatt, of Bere Alston.

The production of this operetta will run from June 9 to 13 at the Athenaeum Theatre, Plymouth, at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01752 266104 or at the company box office on 01752 404971.