BACK by popular demand, the Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society will return to the Arts Centre stage with a new production of The Mikado.

Coincidently the Swindon production of The Mikado is the day before Richard D'Oyly Carte's birthday.

Julie Fryer from the Swindon society said: "A composer in his own right, Richard D'Oyly Carte was the man responsible not only for bringing Gilbert and Sullivan together, but working with them to drag the British dramatic arts out of the doldrums, acting as agent for many of the stars of the shows (as well as for practically every Victorian performer such as Oscar Wilde).

"He also opened the famous Savoy Theatre, Savoy Hotel and other theatres and hotels, and maintained all the Gilbert and Sullivan shows long after their deaths. Without him, British 19th century theatre would be completely unrecognisable.''

The comic opera follows a deliciously convoluted plot: Ko-Ko is in love with his lovely young ward Yum-Yum, who is herself enamoured of wandering minstrel Nanki-Poo.

He, in turn, is being pursued by the aged Katisha.

Ko-Ko strikes a bargain, agreeing to let Yum-Yum marry Nanki-Poo if he accepts to be beheaded after one month, after which Ko-Ko’s position will be secure and his own plan to wed Yum-Yum will resume.

The Mikado runs at the Arts Centre until Saturday.

There will be a matinee at 2.30pm and an evening performance at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost between £10 and £12 for adults, between £5 and £6 for children under 16.

They are available from the box office on 01793 337906 or at swindontheatres.co.uk.

— MARION SAUVEBOIS