THE music and mirth of Gilbert and Sullivan comes to Guiseley tomorrow.

The West Yorkshire Savoyards are presenting a “punchy, toe-tapping and thrilling” production of one of the most popular G&S operas, Iolanthe, which combines beautiful melodies and orchestration with razor sharp wit and political satire.

The ‘Savs’, as the theatre group is affectionately known, are regular visitors to Guiseley Theatre and tomorrow they arrive fresh from success at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, held this summer in Harrogate.

Among the leading actors singled out for praise at the festival are Bobbie Greatorex who plays the Lord Chancellor and was nominated as Best Supporting Actor, and Valerie Green who plays the Fairy Queen and was nominated as Best Supporting Actress.

The Yorkshire-based touring company, which specialises in rousing productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, is supported by Alan Titchmarsh. The Ilkley-born gardener, broadcaster and novelist, who is president of the West Yorkshire Savoyards, says: “The works of Gilbert and Sullivan continue to inspire and amuse generation after generation of music-lovers and theatre-goers, and the West Yorkshire Savoyards continue to enthrall their audiences. With Sullivan’s tuneful melodies and Gilbert’s rapier-sharp wit coupled with the WYS high standards, any audience can be assured of a great night out!”

Directing the production is actor Alistair Donkin, whose Iolanthe looks set to be a dazzling blend of music and comic timing. The production includes sumptuous sets and costumes, with the orchestra conducted by musical director Oliver Longstaff.

As relevant today as it was when it was written, Iolanthe satirises the House of Lords, pitching peers against fairies in a typical G&S ‘topsy-turvy’ plot. With Sullivan’s sparkling score matching Gilbert’s witty libretto, Iolanthe contains some of their finest songs including When Britain Really Ruled The Waves, The Sentry’s Song (Either a little Liberal or else a little Conservative), and The Lord Chancellor’s Nightmare.

Iolanthe is at Guiseley Theatre tomorrow at 7.30pm. For tickets call (01943) 876409.