‘The Sorcerer’ is the tale of how with the best of intentions, an English aristocrat, Alexis of the Grenadier Guards, through the use of a love potion or ‘philtre’ from the old established firm of London magicians, J. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers, gets all sorts of unlikely people to fall madly in love with one another. Unfortunately this includes his fiancée, Aline, who falls for the elderly vicar Dr. Daly. After many comic twists and turns such as when Aline’s mother Lady Sangazure falls in love with Mr. Wells, all is eventually happily resolved. Well for all except perhaps Mr. Wells the magician himself, who in order to break the power of the spell he has cast must make a spectacular descent into Hades to join his master Ahrimanes, never to return! ‘The Sorcerer’ was Gilbert and Sullivan’s first full length successful operetta, following the success of the one act piece ‘Trial by Jury’. ‘The Sorcerer’ laid the foundation for the success of all the partnership’s later rather better known operettas like ‘H. M. S. Pinafore’, ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, ‘Iolanthe’, ‘The Mikado’, ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’ and ‘The Gondoliers’. The Musical Director for "The Sorcerer" is Nic Parker and the Production Director is Sue Dillon. Peter Crichton of the West Yorkshire Savoyards will join the cast to play the leading tenor role of 'Alexis'. Dates and venues Preston Gilbert & Sullivan Society will perform the production at the Playhouse Theatre, Preston, PR1 2HB from Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 January 2007. Tickets are available from the Preston Tourist Information Centre 01772 253731. At the Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, FY8 5QQ, Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 January. Box Office 01253 658666. All performances will start at 7.30pm. Doors open from 7.00pm Signed performances The Thursday shows at both venues will be signed for the deaf and hard of hearing by Michael Boe. A block of seats will be held back and reserved for persons wishing to sit where they can easily see Michael Boe in each theatre until Friday 7 December 2006. | 
