THANK YOU FAIRY MUCH

BRAVO

GIVE

in to peer pressure and take a seat in the public gallery next week for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Tasmania’s production of the “political fairy tale” Iolanthe.

First performed in 1882, Iolanthe follows a fairy of the same name, who is banished from Fairyland for the crime of marrying a mortal. Her shepherd son Strephon is engaged to marry a shepherdess named Phyllis — who doesn’t know that Strephon is half-fairy.

Unfortunately, every member of the House of Lords is also in love with Phyllis, and when they see Strephon and Iolanthe — who still looks 17, because fairies never grow old — together, they manage to convince Phyllis that Strephon is being unfaithful. The fairies retaliate by sending Strephon to Parliament, where he causes all manner of mayhem.

Iolanthe director Robert Manion has taken on the challenge of reinventing a classic while ensuring fans of the original music and lyrics aren’t disappointed.

“Gilbert and Sullivan created remarkable ‘topsy-turvy’ worlds with biting satire and memorable melodies to reflect the issues of their time,” he said.

“I don’t think Gilbert and Sullivan would appreciate changes to their actual compositions ... but people should expect fresh characterisations and some contemporisation of the dialogue.

“Our goal has been to update elements of this show so that it maintains the heart of the original work, but still feels like a totally new experience and something people have never seen before.”

Featuring ballerinas from The House of Dance and Body Language wearing costumes made by Lucy Wilkins and make-up designed by Sam Hunt, Iolanthe stars Grace Ovens and James Bourke as Phyllis and Strephon; Paul Levett as the lascivious Lord Chancellor; Mark Morgan and Chris Hamley as the pretentious peers; and Anne Blythe Cooper as the Fairy Queen.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Tasmania presents Iolanthe at the Playhouse Theatre in Bathurst St from May 21-30, with shows at 7.30pm Thursday-Saturday, plus 2pm matinees on May 23 and May 30. Tickets are $45, $41 concession, phone 62345998 or go to www.centertainment.com.au for bookings.