THE University of York Gilbert and Sullivan Society is putting its own 21st century spin on Iolanthe from February 27 to March 1 at Central Hall on campus.
“We’re using an all-new, hilarious modern-day script,” says publicity officer Morven Hamilton. “Beautiful scoring and sharp social commentary will make Iolanthe a brilliant way to spend an evening.”
The society hopes this G & S revamp will draw a wide audience. “This show is ideal viewing for families and we really want to reach out more to people in and around York,” says Morven.
In Iolanthe, Strephon might be only a janitor in the House of Lords, but he is going up in the world. He does have wings, after all, and with his fairy family on his side, he sets out to marry Phyllis, the love of his life.
He faces one major problem, however. Half the peers are in love with Phyllis too and they will not give up without a fight. Can Strephon win his true love’s hand? Will his true love be all right with having powerful fairies for in-laws? Will the House of Lords, with its “peers of highest station, paragons of legislation, pillars of the British nation”, ever turn its attention to any actual legislation?
Tickets for the 7.30pm evening performances and 2.30pm Saturday matinee are on sale at £12, adults, £8, concessions, £5, students, on 07703 963096, online at yusu.org/whats-on or in person on campus from Your:Shop or Vanbrugh Stalls. Alternatively, they can be bought on the door.
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