ONE of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operas is being staged for Blackburn G&S Society’s 50th anniversary this week.

The Mikado, set in the town of Titipu, follows musical minstrel Nanki-Poo – who is really the son of The Mikado – as he tries to be reunited with his love Yum-Yum.

But she was betrothed to tailor Ko-Ko, who Nanki-Poo has since learned is condemned to death for flirting. Little does Nanki-Poo know, having returned for his love, that Ko-Ko has been pardoned, is now Lord High Executioner and is to marry Yum-Yum that very day.

After confessing his identity, Nanki-Poo tries to kill himself when Yum-Yum leaves him – having admitted she does not love her betrothed, and accepting their plight is hopeless. Ko-Ko, under orders to carry out a beheading by The Mikado to save his own position, offers to kill Nanki-Poo and the pair strike a deal over Yum-Yum’s affections.

The farce-like tale continues, as The Mikado arrives in town, with Katisha who has her intentions set on Nanki-Poo. A bewildered Mikado eventually grants pardons all round.

In the title role, and directing Blackburn G&S production, is David Slater, with Jim Lancaster as Nanki-Poo and Debbie Thew as Yum-Yum. Heather Nicholas and Tony Lewis play Katisha and Ko-Ko, with Bill Shaw, Robin Reid, Sharron Knott and Brenda Murray completing the cast.

A society spokesman said: “Anyone new to the world of Gilbert and Sullivan will soon discover they are the masters of the musical stage, a never-bettered fusion of music and comedy, a perfect combination of characters, paradoxical narratives and sparkling music.

“At Blackburn G&S, we do our best to bring the comic operas to life, while showing off our members’ skills to the fullest extent and breathing life into the works of two of Britain’s greatest artists.

“The Mikado contains some of Sullivan’s most beautiful music and Gilbert is at his most slyly wicked and amusing: This production promises to be great fun and hugely enjoyable.”

n The Mikado, Blackburn G&S Society, Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, tonight until Saturday, 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12, £10 concessions from 01254 685500.