CIRENCESTER Operatic Society hope to make new fans, when they bring The Mikado back to Cirencester in October, 10 years after they last produced Gilbert and Sullivan’s best-loved musical.

Set in “a timeless Japan of the imagination”, it has been directed by Simon Moss, whose last show for Cirencester Operatic Society, Patience, was set in 1958, so audiences can expect some twists and surprises.

Simon Moss said: “I am a huge G&S fan, and have loved these shows for many years, but enjoy the challenge of keeping them fresh for every new generation.

“I was thrilled when Patience was shortlisted as one of the South West’s most innovative shows of 2014, but even more pleased that audiences told the society that the new setting aided their understanding of the piece.

"We hope to do the same with The Mikado – having returned to the original libretto and music for inspiration, rather than copying the traditional “fans and parasols” look favoured by most amateur groups and have opened out the settings to feature many locations within Titipu City Hall. There is even one hilarious scene set in the gents washroom.”

The new look Barn Theatre has been greeted with excitement by recent audiences, with its improved facilities and sightlines as well as a larger stage and comfier seating.

Cirencester Operatic Society hope that their new Mikado will find favour with traditionalists as well as those who have never seen a G&S musical.

Musical Director Suzanne Barnes said: “It’s often hard to imagine that the show was written so many years ago. The humour still works and of course virtually every song is a well known one, for good reason”.

  • The Mikado is at The Barn Theatre in Cirencester on October 18-22. Tickets are on sale now from ticketsource.co.uk/cirencesteroperaticsociety