Who's for the chop...

Could Theresa May, Nigel Farage and Donald Trump be for the chop in the next open air play at Lytham Hall?

Actor Edward Simpson who plays Koko, the Lord High Executioner, in Illyria’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado which comes to Lytham Hall on Sunday 20 August, is keeping very quiet about the names of those in his signature song “who never would be missed”.

“Since The Mikado was first performed in 1886 when George Grossmith, one of the most famous actors of the era, played my role as Koko, it has been an accepted tradition that Koko’s “little list” will be adapted and updated to include the celebrities of the day. It provides a topical challenge for the producer and cast and much amusement and surprise to the audience. Theresa May? ….I can’t possibly say! ” he said.

Edward has been widely praised for his performances at Lytham Hall with Illyria in recent years where he has played the principal comic role in Iolanthe, Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore and Ruddigore, each requiring mastery of Gilbert’s tongue-twisting patter songs.

Julian Wilde, organiser of the open air season at Lytham Hall, feels that the comic timing and verbal skills of Edward Simpson are one of the highlights of Illyria’s Gilbert and Sullivan shows.

“Edward is a master of the comic song, with wonderful pace and assured enunciation of the most tricky rhymes – he will entertain the Lytham Hall audience very richly and my money’s on Nigel Farage getting the chop!”

For details and tickets go to www.illyria.uk.com