THE latest production from Barrow Savoyards takes the company in a new direction with a modern-day setting of The Mikado.

A slight departure from the very traditional Gilbert and Sullivan performances that they have been staging for more than 40 years, the show at The Forum next week is also the first under new director Chris Loveless.

Set in the present day, the story joins the civil servants of The New Japan Party in their head office, working tirelessly to appease their party leader, The Mikado. All are living under The Mikado’s capricious law that those found guilty of flirting will be condemned to death.

What follows is a twisting tale of 'illegal' flirting, exaggerated stories of fake executions, and finally, a happy ending.

Joining director Chris Loveless will be new choreographer Rachel Ashton and musical director Doreen Dunlop, with a very experienced cast, including returning member John Twyford in the role of Pish-Tush, who was also involved in Barrow Savoyards' first-ever production in 1973 - which was also The Mikado.


Three maids Long-time favourites of the society Ron Eadington, Phil McIntosh and Peter Buckley also make a return this year in principal roles and Rachael Lewis takes her first part with Barrow Savoyards in the role of trouble maker, Pitti-Sing.

Louis Simon, Hannah Godden, Elisabeth Greaves, and Ailsa McIntosh are also among the key performers, with a supporting cast is made up of some of the best local singers.

Ailsa says: "This year we have approached our production a little differently.

"We felt it was time that the society tried to appeal to a wider audience while not losing the special appeal of Gilbert & Sullivan’s music and libretto.

"We have worked with a new director, Chris Loveless, who has brought his own new and exciting vision of The Mikado to life, and we have a fantastic cast made up of new and returning members who have embraced this new style of production with open minded enthusiasm.

"Although we have decided to try something new with this production, long-time follows of Barrow Savoyards can be reassured that the dialogue and music of the production remains true to the original script and score.

"We hope people will come along and embrace this new exciting production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operetta."

The Mikado runs at The Forum on Tuesday February 28 to Saturday March 4, with the opening night - where all tickets are £5 - starting at 7pm, and the Saturday finalé at 6.30pm, and all other shows starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the venue's box office.