Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe

The Lord Chancellor, the Queen of the Fairies and Private Willis of the Grenadier Guards will all be on parade at Lytham Hall next Tuesday evening July 14 as Illyria stage the third play of the outdoor season, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe.

Gilbert and Sullivan's most magical comic opera is set half in Fairyland, half in Westminster. Written in 1878 its surprisingly topical and waspish satire pokes fun at Love, Class and The House of Lords, whilst many believe its sumptuous harmonies to be the most beautiful Sullivan wrote.

Illyria will use a versatile cast of just six to bring Oliver Gray’s production to Lytham Hall at the start of a challenging tour which will see performances at 36 different venues in just 44 days.

Illyria stalwart William Finkenrath feels that after opening performances in Hampshire and at Ness Botanic Gardens on the Wirral the cast will be relishing the glorious se