A LAVISH production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado comes to Malvern Theatres next week.

The award-winning show by the Carl Rosa Opera is a faithful reproduction of the original 1885 production by W S Gilbert himself.

Transporting the audience back to the Japan of centuries past, this hilarious tale of love, marriage, executions and heroics contains some of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular and memorable characters, from Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, to Pooh-Bah, Nanki-Pooh and the three little maids.

Gloriously theatrical, The Mikado also features some of Gilbert and Sullivan's best-known songs including Three Little Maids From School Are We, The Punishment Fits The Crime and I am the Lord High Executioner.

Along with a cast of 28 singers and full orchestra, the production can boast period costumes and lavish sets from Mike Leigh's award-winning film Topsy-Turvy.

Celebrating The Mikado's 120th anniversary, this production comes to Malvern as part of a national tour. It follows sell-out performances in London and international success in Australia and the USA.

It is a return visit to Malvern for the Carl Rosa Opera. Previous visits have included sell-out performances of The Pirates of Penzance, The Merry Widow and HMS Pinafore.

The Mikado is at the Festival Theatre, from Monday to Saturday, October 3 to October 8. Tickets are £14-£22 (under 25s £8) on 01684 892277.