THE Mikado was the first opera tackled by the newly formed Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society back in 1969 and this year the singers are again bringing the popular show to life.

This will be the seventh time the Swindon society has tackled Mikado. The last time was in 2010, when it was called Hot Mikado as they put their own spin on it, so this season they are presenting the traditional version.

Julia Fryer from the society, said: "We have played all of Gilbert and Sullivan's works yet we always come back to that old favourite, Mikado, which is full of timeless humour and beautiful music. This has been a more relaxed show compared to the complicated shows of the last two years. It gives us a chance to really enjoy the process.''

Matthew McMurrary joined the society last year, taking a small part in The Gondoliers. He proved a big hit and this year treads the boards in a leading role as Nanki-Poo.

Jo Courage and Cathy Hall are the newcomers this year, with Cathy stepping into the breach as Peep-Bo. Illness and work commitments mean't two members of the cast had to drop out so Cathy and seasoned Swindon actor Rob Burbage were swiftly recruited.

Rob is playing Pish-Tush, a role he performed many years ago with the society.

The story is set in medieval Japan and based around Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado of Japan, who flees his father's imperial court to escape marriage with an older woman. Disguised as a minstrel he falls in love with Yum-Yum, the young ward of Ko-Ko, a cheap tailor in the town of Titipu. Yum-Yum, however, is already betrothed to her guardian. All is set for the star crossed lovers adventure set to songs such as Wandering Minstrel I, Three Little Maids From School Are We, The Flowers That Bloom In the Spring and On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit.

The society has hired in traditional Japanese costumes.

Julia said: "Not only have their provided lovely Kimonos but luckily there are wigs for the ladies as none of us look even remotely Japanese.''

Other principals in this production are Alan Fryer as The Mikado of Japan, David Stephenson as Pooh-Bah and Stuart Benjamin as Ko-Ko.

The Swindon singers have performed in various venues throughout the years including the Wyvern Theatre and Steam but from April 28 to May 2 the Mikado will be at the Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, at 7.30pm with a matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets are £10 to £12 for adults, £5 to £6 for children and for the first time students rates are £7.50 to £9 available on 01793 524481 or www.swindontheatres.co.uk - Flicky Harrison