IT'S A case of Yeopeople of the Guard rather than Yeomen when it comes to RAODS's latest production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

This lavish production at the Plaza in Romsey involves a cast of 48, of which just18 are men.

Award-winning am-dram group RAODS will tell in song the tale of a dashing young army officer Colonel Fairfax. Fairfax is incarcerated in the Tower of London, accused of treason. He has been condemned to death and his enemy and cousin Poltwhistle will inherit his vast fortune if he dies unmarried. Unknown to him, the prison warder's daughter Phoebe Meryll has fallen in love with him but when her plans to reveal her passion are thwarted thanks to a travelling circus visiting the Tower, things look bleak for Fairfax.

Plot, counter-plot and many complications ensue in true G&S style before true love conquers all.

Making his directorship debut with RAODS is Liam Meggison.

"A show like this demands a huge amount of commitment from so many people," he said. "We spent the first month and a half of rehearsals concentrating purely on the music as this is one of the most complex G&S shows - the nearest they get to opera."

May 12-17, Plaza, Romsey. Tickets: from £4. Box office: Romsey Heritage and Visitors Centre, Church Street, Romsey, 01794 512987.