Gravesend town centre became an unlikely stage for live opera as members of The National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company performed a flash mob to promote a series of shows at The Woodville.

The cast squeezed in some singing practice amid the lunchtime bustle, mingling with shoppers in New Road before the men broke into an a capella performance of “British Tar” from HMS Pinafore.

The girls entered the fray shortly after, showing off an energetic dance routine from the finale of The Mikado, “Joyous Shout”.

Video: The flashmob takes over Gravesend town centre - video: graveshamtv

Despite only lasting just over a minute, The Woodville’s general manager Mandie Hare was delighted with the response.

“People seemed to really enjoy it,” she said. “It’s the first time they’ve done a flash mob but I thought it went really well.”

Bruce Graham, a senior member of the company for 55 years, was also full of praise for the cast.

“It takes a lot of guts to stand up in the street like that and perform,” he said. “The public seemed to really get into the spirit of it, which was great to see.”

Mr Graham has worked on a string of famous productions during his career, from Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Phantom of the Opera to the iconic Cats, but enjoys Gilbert and Sullivan the most.

“I’ve done some film and TV and lots of other things, but this is what I love best. Gilbert and Sullivan is my first love!”

Principal contralto – the lowest female singing voice – Sylvia Clarke hopes the impromptu performance will generate plenty of buzz for the main shows.

“We’re used to performing and pretending to be different people but it’s different to get up and do it in public,” she said.

“It was a bit short but still great fun and the people that did watch seemed really interested.”

Performances will continue throughout the week at The Woodville, with The Mikado tonight (Wednesday) and tomorrow and The Gondoliers on Friday and Saturday.

Evening shows are at 7.30pm, with 2pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets are priced between £16 and £28.50 and are available by calling 08442 439 480.

See the video at https://youtu.be/-vd-b8k9LIg