Operatic society take on Gilbert and Sullivan

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ASTWOOD Bank Operatic Society will be in the spotlight at the Palace Theatre next week.

Performances of The Gondoliers by Gilbert and Sullivan will begin at 7.30pm every evening from Tuesday to Saturday (March 5 to 9) with a matinée on Saturday at 2.30pm.

The society is still going strong after 62 shows since 1950 and the show features a very strong cast including Michael Hawkins as Don Alhambra, David Steele and Ian Walton as Marco and Giuseppe and Janna Mutton and Mandy Goddard as Gianetta and Tessa.

Newcomer David Coulson will appear alongside Melanie Hart as the Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro while brother and sister duo Helen and Alan Hastings take the roles of Casilda and Luiz.

The story follows the down at heel Duke and Duchess who come to Venice to search for the heir to the throne of Barataria to marry their daughter.

The most likely candidates are two gondoliers who are far more interested in parties than politics and have already just got married.

Director Steve Skinner said: "The Gondoliers is still considered one of the most popular and tuneful of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas and in this production remains essential traditional in style, but with a few updated twists to keep it fresh and relevant.

"It's very accessible and a great deal of fun - a kind of Victorian Monty Python, if you like!"

Tickets costing £12 or £13 are available from www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01527 65203.

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