Youngsters take up challenge of G&S for their latest show

Some of the county’s most talented youngsters are taking to the stage to perform a Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta.
Some of the cast in rehearsalsSome of the cast in rehearsals
Some of the cast in rehearsals

Bedfordshire Youth Opera are performing Iolanthe this week, with performances running until Saturday September 5.

Iolanthe takes its cue from the long tradition of fairies in Western literature and theatre

Youth opera regular Chris Craigen is playing Lord Mountararat, who, along with his fellow Peers, is madly pursuing Phyllis, the Ward of the Lord Chancellor.

Chris said: “It’s great being back with Bedfordshire Youth Opera.

“Each show I’ve done with them has been so different, with new challenges and experiences. This year it’s the dancing - we’re only a couple of days into rehearsal and we’re exhausted!”

BYO artistic director Dan Smith said: “Demand for tickets last year was so high that our scheduled four performances were sold out almost a week in advance, so we opened up our second dress rehearsal as a preview. That preview sold out in one day. This year, we’re giving six performances, so we can share this piece with as many people as possible.”

Iolanthe runs at The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford daily at 7.30pm.

There is also a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday.

Tickets are available from The Place costing £15 or £12 for concessions.

Visit www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets or call 01234 354 321 during office hours.

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