Iolanthe, Southampton Operatic Society

MAGICAL moments and fairy sparkle were brought to Southampton Operatic Society's production of Iolanthe.

This fairy operetta has been entertaining audiences since 1882. David Tatnall, the director and choreographer, cleverly brought the production up to date, incorporating themes from the Harry Potter books and setting the fairies in the Gilbwarts School of Fairycraft and Wizardry.

This is an accomplished company, and MD Ann Turner worked magic with the music, as each performer sang with panache and confidence.

David Rayner (The Lord Chancellor) was a delight and was wonderfully supported by Peter Barber (Lord Mount-ararat) and Mike Pavitt (Lord Tolloller), making wonderful fools of themselves by falling in love with the splendid Phyllis (Alison Vincent).

The Queen of the Fairies (Janet Green) and Iolanthe (Marie Creed-Helliwell) were simply enchanting.

This is a slick and humorous production.

If you're not a Gilbert and Sullivan fan, this show could convert you!