WHEN Gilbert & Sullivan's Iolanthe first opened on November 25, 1882, it made theatrical history as the first production to open in Britain and the US on the same night.

And the latest performance of the show, by Mid-Cheshire Amateur Operatic Society, also has a great deal to get excited about.

For two newcomers, who created such a stir in the group's January panto, have won themselves lead roles.

Chloe Leigh, who played Snow White, tackles the role of Iolanthe while Carly Sandbach, Prince Launcelot, plays Phyllis, a ward of the Lord Chancellor.

And the group is celebrating the fact that there will be several other debutants including Kim Nield, Claire Southerton and Andy Jordan.

MCAOS spokesman Keith Nield said: "It's exciting to see this new talent coming through, though of course we still need the talents of our established actors and singers who form the backbone of our productions."

Iolanthe tells the story of the banished fairy, her son Strephon and his love for Phyllis.

When Phyllis agrees to marry one of the peers from the House of Lords the fairies take revenge by sending Strephon into parliament casting a spell that allows him to pass any bill he pleases.

The show runs from Monday, March 26 to Saturday, 31 at the Oakwood Lane Theatre, Barnton. Tickets costing £5.50 (£3.50 concessions) are available from Paul Rose on 01606 556160.