Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe

Performances at 7.30pm Mon-Wed and Sat 2.30pm only
Box Office: 01509 508499 or email shepshedgandstickets@gmail.com

Fairies, politics and love come together in this bright and colourful production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved tale of The Peer And The Peri – better known as Iolanthe.

The Houses of Parliament and the British Peerage system come under attack from Gilbert’s witty, satirical lyrics and plot; with a humour that remains relevant to today’s audiences.

At the heart of Iolanthe is the love story of Arcadian Shepherd and Shepherdess Strephon and Phyllis. Strephon is a half mortal, half fairy, whose mother Iolanthe was banished from Fairyland for marrying a mortal! Phyllis’s guardian, The Lord Chancellor, is refusing to give consent to their marriage due to Stephon’s lowly status. So, the fairies decide to send Strephon into parliament to shake up the system! Will Strephon and Phyllis find a way to be together? Will the fairies and peers ever see eye to eye? And can Iolanthe be pardoned by the Fairy Queen?

Musical numbers include the rousing ‘Loudly let the trumpets bray’, the fairy chorus ‘Tripping hither’, ‘Strephon’s a Member of Parliament’ and the duets ‘None shall part us’ and ‘If we’re weak enough to tarry’. A fantastic 12-piece live orchestra will bring the score to life.

Director Adrian Dobson is joined by Musical Director Mary Jayne Harding Scott and Choreographer Amy North on the production team.

With limited performances, make sure you don’t miss out as we go ‘off and away’ to Fairyland!

Accessibility

There is step-free access into Iveshead School and the theatre can be accessed via a lift to the lower foyer and a side door into the auditorium. There is some flat floor seating which can be removed to accommodate wheelchair users. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any specific accessibility requirements.