“Iolanthe” was originally rehearsed under the false name of PEROLA in order to avoid piracy of the opera. At the final rehearsal at the Savoy Theatre, Arthur Sullivan addressed the assembled company as follows

“Ladies and Gentlemen, you have been rehearsing PEROLA but when the curtain goes up on the first night the opera will be called IOLANTHE”

Our Director, Ruth, created a new fairy for this production appropriately called “Perola” and will join in with with Celia, Leila and Fleta on stage

Cast List

Iolanthe is a sparkling tale of fairy folk and magical mayhem, a fable of fairies versus mortals!

Beloved and beautiful, the immortal Iolanthe has broken a fairy law by marrying a human.

She is banished from fairyland by her Queen on the condition that she never sees her husband again.

Twenty-five years later these two worlds collide, as her Son Strephon (who is half a fairy), plans to marry the pretty Shepherdess Phyllis, a ward of The Lord Chancellor and loved by every Peer in The House of Lords.

Strephon attempts, (with the help of some feisty fairies), to overthrow the privileges enjoyed by the nobility, and much laughter, drama and mystical mix ups happen along the way!

Enchantingly funny and at times very moving, our talented cast along with our fabulous orchestra, stunning set and gorgeous costumes, make this a family show not to be missed!

Stamford Operatic Society (now SAMS) was formed in 1906 and in 1910 Sir Malcolm Sargent, at the age of 14, accompanied rehearsals and conducted their show, “Yeomen of the Guard” at the Stamford Corn Exchange.  His love of Gilbert & Sullivan lead him to D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and he was also a composer and was widely regarded as Britain’s leading conductor of his generation.  Stamford Operatic Society stopped performing G&S in the late 1920s.  A number of their members wanted to continue to perform the operatta so they did just that!

In 1951, Stamford Gilbert & Sullivan Players was born to perform exclusively Gilbert & Sullivan.  Their first show was HMS Pinafore, performed in the Stamford Corn Exchange where we still perform to this day.  This enthusiastic company now comprises people from in and around the Stamford area who have a great love for Gilbert & Sullivan and wish to see it continue.  Our recent productions have included dancers from the Welland School of Dancing, this has encouraged more young people to come and be a part of this great Society!

The idea that Gilbert & Sullivan is old-fashioned is far from the truth.  Many if the Gilbert & Sullivan Operas are a satirical and highly amusing commentary on Victorian England, and many of the issues raised still have some relevance now, some 125 years later.  The satire and wit contained in all the shows can be applied to current events!  In addition the music is melodious and happy.

We rehearse on a Tuesday evening from 7-45 pm to 10-00 pm at Barn Hill Church Hall on North Street, Stamford from May through to October and would welcome anyone who would just like to come and see what we are about, either to sing, act or contribute in some way. ‘Everyone was so welcoming and accepting of us being younger and made the whole experience lots of fun’  – Elizabeth (Age 17)

If you would be interested in taking part in whatever capacity, please contact us by using the form below or email us on info@stamfordgandsplayers.co.uk