Romantic Arabian tale set to bloom

A TUMULTUOUS tale of risk and romance including the melodic sounds of Sir Arthur Sullivan makes The Rose of Persia an essential must-see.

St David's Players are performing the operetta for the second time having staged it once before in 1990.

And they have chosen to showcase this rare work again as part of the celebrations for their 40th anniversary this year.

The St David's Players were formed in 1969 by members of the choir of St David's Church with the aim of raising funds for charity.

Their first production of Patience in 1970 was such a success they decided to form a permanent company.

The Players specialise in the works of Gilbert and Sullivan and their contemporaries, and in the course of almost 50 productions have produced all 13 G&S operas at least once.

The society were invited to perform The Rose of Persia at the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society Festival in Cirencester last month.

The operetta, written by Basil Hood, is the last completed work with music by Sir Arthur Sullivan of the much-loved Gilbert and Sullivan duo, whose repetoire includes The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado.

Sub-titled The Story-teller and the Slave, this Arabian Nights tale follows the plight of the two main characters. Hassan is a wealthy philanthropist who ensures a quiet life by limiting himself to only 25 wives. While Rose-in-Bloom, the Sultan's wife, disguises herself as a slave girl to escape from the Sultan's palace.

Like many of the well-known works of Gilbert and Sullivan the plot is comical, farcical, and involves mistaken identities, romantic confusion and threats of execution before reaching a happy ending.

The operetta is of course also packed full of sparkling Sullivan melodies.

Producer Ian Bond said: "I am very excited about bringing The Rose of Persia to the stage for the first time in Exeter for nearly 20 years.

"The piece was widely regarded at the time of its first performance in 1899 as Sullivan's comic masterpiece, and has been successfully revived more recently at the 15th International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton.

"There are a large number of principal parts as well as a chorus, and St David's Players are fortunate in having a sufficient number of talented members to fill all the roles.

"The Rose of Persia is therefore the ideal show for the players in their 40th year as it showcases the depth of talent within the society as well as bringing this rarely-performed gem to the Exeter stage."

This production of The Rose of Persia is a must-see for Gilbert and Sullivan fans and anyone looking for an evening of light-hearted musical entertainment in an exotic setting.

The show is supporting Hospiscare and £1 from each ticket sold for the opening night will be donated to the local charity, which provides care and support to people with life-threatening illnesses and those close to them.

The Rose of Persia is showcasing at the Barnfield Theatre from Tuesday, October 13, until Saturday, October 17, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 or £9 for under 16s. Details: 01392 270891