The Tudors were terrible - and Michael Lofthouse is determined his audience will realise just how terrible they were.

He will bring a rare touch of realism to Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta Yeoman of the Guard when it is performed this month in Haworth.

Gone will be the sparkling outfits of previous Yeomen and pretty make-up for the ladies of the chorus. In will come drab hessian for costumes, straw on the floor and a villain who actually comes across as villainous.

Thankfully the realism doesn't stretch to the other senses in Michael's production for Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateur Operatic Society.

He promises the foul stenches of Tudor times won't be in evidence as audiences watch this tale of intrigue and romance in the Tower of London.

And the witty words and catchy melodies of G&S are sure to shine through thanks to Haworth's excellent orchestra and singers.

Michael says he is trying to bring the early 16th century - when Henry VIII married, murdered and made merry - to realistic life.

His quest for accuracy stretches to ensuring the backdrop shows the Tower of London in its correct 1500s setting.

And he has banned the stiff collars of traditional G&S Yeomen after discovering starch was not used until Elizabethan times.

Michael says: "I've performed in Yeomen before and we were in shiny shoes - but they didn't have them in Tudor times.

"I'm trying to convey how hard life would have been. They were lucky to get to 40 years old. It must have been hell."

The cast includes regular performers such as Ian Henderson, Ron McGill, Alison Shackleton, Janine McAndrew and Laurence Driver.

Rolly Robertshaw returns following his successful Haworth debut last year, to be joined by Huddersfield man Graham Boyle.

Jacqui Sugden is returning to the stage after a year's absence caused by illness, and James Hutton returns as the villainous Shadbolt.

Yeoman of the Guard is presented at Haworth West Lane Baptist Church on November 19-24. Buy tickets from Keighley Information Centre in the town hall or Haworth Tourist Information Centre.