2011 Production

Following our successful 2010 production of Orpheus in the Underworld, our 3- year cycle rolls round to Gilbert and Sullivan, and next year’s show will be ‘Iolanthe’. Taking well-aimed potshots at a parliamentary system with an unelected upper house, and dim-witted MPs who are just treated as lobby-fodder, many of its themes remain as topical today as they were in 1882, although the post of Lord Chancellor was abolished by Tony Blair in 2003. It is a pity that Gilbert is not writing Iolanthe today, as the political landscape after the recent General Election is more topsy-turvy than in 1882.
Sullivan was at the height of his powers when he composed the music for Iolanthe, and the spectacular entrance of the peers in Act 1 must rank as one of the best male chorus numbers in the entire G and S repertoire.

We hope that you will continue to support us by making a note in your diary to come and see Iolanthe. Please re-visit this website for the latest information about the show, and the society’s other events and activities.