THERE will be plenty of fun and games in this year's Staveley Amateur Operatic Society laughter-laden show.

The popular society's 64th Gilbert and Sullivan production, Princess Ida runs at Staveley Village Hall from Wednesday-Saturday, September 13-16.

The plot centres around two kings, Hildebrand, played by Graham Beevers and Gama, performed by John Reid.

King Gama's daughter Ida was betrothed to King Hildebrand's son, Hilarion when they were mere infants: she was only one and he was at the tender age of two.

That was 20 years ago and Prince Hilarion has been waiting for his wedding day ever since.

However, thanks to an overbearing father and three bullying brothers, Arac, Guron and Scynthius, Princess Ida hates men, which is why she has established a women-only university in Castle Adamant. Prince Hilarion has decided it is time to claim his bride and in an attempt to woo her, he plans to sneak into Ida’s castle with his two closest friends. But, because men are banned, they must dress up as women to avoid detection. Much mirth and merriment ensues as the Staveley cast brings out the rich comic content of Gilbert’s hilarious libretto.

Originally set in three acts, SAOS is performing a two-act version, revised by Van Andrew in 2017, which also utilises modern dialogue.

Sue Richardson is in the tile role of Princess Ida, Matthew Armstrong is in the guise of Prince Hilarion, Angela-Lee Kennedy plays Lady Blanche, Iain Lamb is Florian, Rachel Mercer plays Lady Psyche and Jenny Brooks takes the role of Melissa.

King Gama's sons are played by David Barker, Norland Green and Ed Dixon.

Performances start at 7.15pm.

Tickets are available from Staveley Pharmacy or by telephone on 01539-722820.