KINGTON and District Operatic Society will be treading the boards again at the end of the month with a sparkling production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe.

Iolanthe, a fairy, committed a capital offence by marrying a mortal 25 years ago. The Queen of Fairies, because she loved Iolanthe and did not want her to die, sentenced her to lifelong exile instead with the condition that she left her husband. Iolanthe has a son, Strephon, half fairy, half

mortal.

The opera opens with dippy fairies entreating the Queen to forgive Iolanthe and restore her to the fairy band, which she does. Iolanthe returns, introducing her son, Strephon. He confesses his love for Phyllis, a mortal and a Ward of the Court of Chancery; she is totally unaware that her sweetheart is half man and half fairy and naturally, problems ensue.

Take a cracking story, stir in a few twists and turns to the plot, mix in some beautiful ballads with a pinch of romance, some hearty rousing songs, and a tasty feast of entertainment will be served up to delight the appetite of the most discerning audience.

The show will be staged at the Community Leisure Centre, Lady Hawkins School, Kington on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 29, 30 and 31. Tickets available from Tom Bounds Electrical, Kington. For further details call 01544 231303 (day) or 01544 231501 (eve) or visit kingtonoperatic.wordpress.com