MERE weeks to go before the some of the region's deft devotees of comic operas lift the curtain on their sumptuous show for 2018.

The stylish Savoyards of Kendal and District Gilbert and Sullivan Society return to the topsy-turvy world of G&S with The Mikado on Wednesday, March 14, staging a three-night run at Kendal Town Hall before transferring the show to the Victoria Hall at Grange-over-Sands for a one-off performance on the Saturday (March 17).

The title role is being reprised by Bryan Johnson who played it last time it was performed by KADGASS in 2011. Also returning from the previous show is Jim Thompson who played Pish-Tush; this time stalwart Jim takes the part of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner.

The talented line-up of principals also includes Matthew Armstrong as Nanki-Poo, a wandering minstrel and son of The Mikado, Graham Beevers (Pooh-Bah, The Lord High Everything Else) and Iain Lamb (Pish-Tush, a Noble Lord).

Centre stage as the three little maids are Emily Robinson (Yum-Yum), Rebecca Chandler (Pitti-Sing) and Jenny Brooks (Peep-Bo), and Sue Richardson plays Katisha, an elderly lady in love with Nanki-Poo.

The experienced ladies chorus comprises Margaret Barker, Emilie Beston, Juliette Beston, Stella Coxon, Angela-Lee Kennedy, Catharine Perrin, Bev Preece, Carol Sisson and Christine Thompson, joined by newcomer Elisha Finch. Meanwhile, George Jones, Nigel Kelly, Eric Park, John Reid and Roger Wilkinson, along with another fresh face Alan Radcliffe, portray the Gentlemen of Japan with apparent "attitude queer and quaint."

The show is being co-produced by acclaimed mother and daughter team, Juliette Beston and Jo Neville-Smith, with the indefatigable John Perrin as musical director. The Mikado, (or The Town of Titipu), will be John's 28th show for KADGASS.

Kendal Town Hall performances start at 7.30pm; tickets are available from Brewery Arts Centre 01539-725133

The Grange show begins at 7pm; tickets from Grange Tourist Centre on 015395-34026.