STAVELEY Amateur Operatic Society's 65th Gilbert and Sullivan production brings the exotic climes of a far flung isle to the village hall.

Utopia Ltd - which SAOS last staged in 1993 - is set on the South Pacific island of Utopia ruled by the allegedly, despotic King Paramount.

Played by Graham Beevers, the king is in fact far from being a despot but cunningly controlled by two wise men, Scaphio, performed by Iain Lamb, and Phantis, courtesy of Angela-Lee Kennedy, who appoint a 'public exploder' (Rebecca Chandler), to enforce their will by threatening to blow up the king should he not follow their instruction.

In order to escape the clutches of this dastardly duo, the king decides to adopt the ways of England, which he regards as the "greatest country in the world," and sends his eldest daughter Zara (Rachel Lewis) to be educated at Girton College. Having mastered all things English, she returns to the island after five years and brings with her six Flowers of Progress, who will teach the barbarous islanders English ways and introduce English fashions.

Changes are made to the island's army, its navy, the courts, music halls and town councils but the biggest change of all comes from a company promoter, Mr Goldbury, performed by John Reid, who declares Utopia to be a company limited, with a limited liability of 18 pence.

Fun and games ensue as the cast bring out the rich comic content of Gilbert's hilarious libretto.

The island even has a local newspaper, intriguingly entitled the Palace Peeper.

SAOS is one of the region's finest purveyors of the Savoy Operas and Utopia Ltd has all the hallmarks of another splendid show.

The show runs at Staveley Village Hall, from Wednesday until Saturday (September 22).

Performances start at 7.15pm.

Tickets are available at the door, from Staveley Pharmacy or by telephone on 01539-722820.