FAIRYLAND AT WAR WITH PARLIAMENT!

Step into a world of enchantment and satire and join the award-winning Ipswich Gilbert & Sullivan Society at the Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge, this autumn for their fun-filled production of Iolanthe - a whimsical tale of fairies, politics, and love, featuring the sparkling wit of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s glorious score.

Twenty five years after being exiled for the crime of marrying a mortal, the beautiful fairy Iolanthe is granted a pardon by the Queen of the Fairies. Meanwhile, Iolanthe’s half-human, half-fairy son, the handsome shepherd Strephon is deeply in love with Phyllis, a pretty shepherdess. But there is a serious obstacle to their future happiness - all the members of the House of Lords, including the wily Lord Chancellor, are in love with Phyllis, too. Fortunately, the Queen of the Fairies uses her magical powers to send Strephon into Parliament with a manifesto to reform the House of Lords. The Fairies are jubilant, the Peers are horrified.

Chaotically comical events ensue as Parliament is rocked to its foundations when Strephon takes control. Disaster threatens, though, when Iolanthe is forced to reveal a secret she has nursed for 25 years. A happy ending can only be guaranteed with a judicial intervention by the Lord Chancellor himself and a large dose of fairy magic.

‘Iolanthe’ is brought to you by a talented cast of local performers with a full chorus and 13 piece orchestra.

Director: James Hayward
Musical Director: Sue Wightman