THE ROYAL Forest of Dean College Theatre Company are to perform the musical The Mikado, by Gilbert and Sullivan, on the 7th-10th February in the college's theatre.
The Company has built up a reputation for lively, energetic and high-quality shows. Last year, a record number of people turned out to see their productions which included West Side Story and Much Ado About Nothing, which was performed at St Briavels Castle and at Chepstow Festival.
This year's production is being directed by Gary Frost and the music director is Yanna Zissiadou. The well established team is being joined by Loraine Worrall as choreographer.
The Mikado is a very popular production. Last year saw the Centenary of Arthur Sullivan's death and the show's popularity has been boosted by the success of the film Topsy Turvy - even The Archers are doing it!
"We are giving the production a modern setting and contemporary costumes," explains Gary Frost. "There are companies who aim to recreate the production as it would have been in Victorian times. However, as Gilbert, in his writing, satirises the Victorian ruling classes and parodies the stuffiness of the operas of his day, he would probably be horrified at his productions being presented as museum pieces.
"The students at the college are surprised at just how funny The Mikado is and at how the humour hasn't dated, although we have updated some of the Victorian references. Purists needn't worry because we haven't attempted to change any of the music, which the students have found, to their surprise, really enjoyable."
This production aims to be accessible to all ages and promises to be a fun evening. Don't miss it! Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office on (01594) 834028 at £4.50 and £2.50 concessions.