FAIRIES will be flying in the Swan Theatre, Worcester, when the city's Gilbert and Sullivan Society performs Iolanthe.

Iolanthe, or The Peer and the Peri, is a fairy opera that doubles as a light political satire and was the first Gilbert and Sullivan opera to be staged at the Savoy Theatre in 1882.

Strephon, a half fairy, falls in love with Phyllis, a ward of the court of Chancery, and the humour escalates as lords and fairies fall in and out of love with each other until everyone's lives are in peril.

Fortunately, legal minds come up with a clever solution to the problem and all is resolved.

The show will be a family affair for Bridget Corlett and her daughters, Bethan and Jessica, from Callow End.

While Bethan plays principal fairy Fleta, Jessica and Bridget, who has also helped with costumes, are in the chorus.

The family join several other local faces in the show. Jo Williamson, from Malvern, Robert Hanna, from Hanley Swan, Cherril Watkins, from Cradley and Peter Key, from Barnards Green, all have main parts.

The chorus includes many other local residents. Sue Coleman, from Barnards Green, is singing in it and has designed and made many of the costumes

This is the society's first production at the Swan in many years, after high costs dictated a move from Malvern Theatres.

Director Christine Davies hopes loyal Malvern supporters will follow the cast to their new venue.

"It's a challenge for us but with an excellent cast of principals, it looks set to be an entertaining show," she said.

Ms Davies described Iolanthe as her personal favourite, with a humorous and emotive score.

She would like to thank Dave Scott, from Worcester, for stepping into a main role from the chorus at very short notice.

Iolanthe plays from Tuesday to Saturday, September 20-24. Tickets are from £5 to £10 from 01905 611427. For further information, visit the society's website www.gasworcs.com.