JORVIK Gilbert and Sullivan Company return to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, on April 21 to perform a concert version of Iolanthe at 7.30pm.

G&S's light opera pits the shepherd Strephon against the House of Lords as they compete for the hand of Phyllis, a ward in Chancery. Unknown to the Lords, however, Strephon has an advantage: he is half-fairy and consequently the Fairy Queen is prepared to make life miserable for the peers in order to come to his aid.

Among the show's well-known songs are the Peers' chorus, Loudly Let The Trumpet Bray, and the Lord Chancellor's Nightmare Song in this light-hearted political satire that may well still have relevance today.

Tickets for next Saturday are on sale at £10, concessions £9, under-16s free, from the Joseph Rowntree Theatre box office, in Haxby Road, on 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.

As well as preparing for next week's performance, the York group are busy making plans for their next show. "Rehearsals for our fully staged production of Princess Ida at the Rowntree Theatre in September will start on Monday, April 23 at Huntington Methodist Church," says publicity officer Alex Schofield.

“If you want to tread the boards, meet new people and have fun along the way, why not join us? All are welcome and we don't hold auditions for chorus members, as we're fully inclusive and believe that anyone who wants to turn up and sing should be able to do so.

"We're also delighted to welcome Stuart Sellens as director, who'll work alongside our musical director, Jessica Douglas, in what promises to be a fun production."

Auditions for principal roles will be held on Saturday, May 5. "If you would like to audition, please contact us at auditions@jorvikgsc.org.uk for further information or to book a slot," says Alex.