HAWORTH’s ‘king of G&S’ Michael Lofthouse is spreading his wings by producing a show in the Wharfe valley.

Michael has for many years directed the annual Gilbert and Sullivan performance by Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateurs.

He specialises in freshening up the classic comic operas to attract new audiences without alienating lifelong G&S enthusiasts.

This includes setting the shows in different eras, or updating topical references in the dialogue and lyrics so they are as funny to today’s audiences as the original lines were to 1800s audiences.

Michael was last year invited to produce The Gondoliers – one of the best-known G&S shows operettas – for Aireborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

The result will be performed from February 10 to 13 with a Saturday matinee at Yeadon Town Hall.

Michael said his new production of The Gondoliers was still set in Venice and featured all the classic songs people were used to, but the action took place in the 1950s.

He said: “It’s things like not just having people singing by themselves, but the rest of the cast are still on stage doing things. Life in Venice is going on around them.

“Aireborough is a big Gilbert and Sullivan society. I was gobsmacked when I saw them all. It’s a pleasure to work with them.

“The singing is excellent and the principals are very good – they include two ex-members of the Opera North chorus.”

The show at Yeadon Town Hall features a cast of 13 principals and about 35 chorus members.

Aireborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society was founded in 1957 by Eileen Mackay for the scholars at Aireborough Grammar School to perform G&S shows for the enjoyment of the public. Membership is open to all.

Call 01943 872020 or visit agss.org.uk to book tickets for the The Gondoliers.