By Isle of Wight Observer
If you thought the mixing of imaginary and real worlds in the Barbie Movie was new, think again – Gilbert and Sullivan were doing it in 1882.
Iolanthe, like Barbie, moves between the real world and her own, causing lots of hilarious nonsense while making pointed observations about our society – and proving some things haven’t changed in the last 150-odd years.
Fairyland, like Barbieworld, has its own customs and laws, one of which is death for any fairy who marries a mortal. Iolanthe did just that but, feeling merciful, the Fairy Queen banished her. After years of living at the bottom of a stream in the real world,
Iolanthe is pardoned and returns to Fairyland. But she needs to stay in contact with her son, Strephon.
Strephon’s top half is fairy, while his legs are human – a secret he has not shared with his beloved Phyllis, with whom he plans to elope, in defiance of her guardian who plans to marry her off to an old man in the House of Lords. He cannot understand why Phyllis would rather marry a young, strong, handsome shepherd than a wealthy Peer of the Realm…..
What happens next? All will be revealed in GASP’s hilarious new production of Iolanthe at Bembridge Village Hall on Sept 21, 22 and 23 at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Sept 24 . Tickets are available via iow.life/iolanthe or call 07543 673117.