Over several years, whilst leaving Offenbach’s wonderful score untouched, Ifor re-wrote lyrics and dialogue where necessary to re-set the story in Pembrokeshire in 1797.  The names of the characters have been changed to include those famous from that time: Lord Milford, Lord Cawdor of Stackpole Court, Jemima Nicholas and Thomas Knox.  It is the local volunteers, the Fishguard Fencibles, who fight the French.

Most famous for his can-can, Offenbach’s comic operas are great fun.  Here, the Grand Duchess, bored and looking for excitement, rebuffs her suitor and falls for Thomas Knox, who is already engaged to local girl Gwenda, and promotes him from volunteer Fencible to Commander in Chief of her army. Mayhem and intrigue follow, along with a solo in praise of the leek, cannons on the Fishguard hills and a secret passage in the bedroom of Picton Castle all helping to complete the comedy.

HOS are delighted that mezzo soprano Rachel Hickman accepted their invitation to perform the lead role as the Duchess.  Rachel has sung with D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, Garsington Opera and English Touring Opera, amongst others.  Rachel is a past member of the society and sang in one of our productions a few years ago so we are delighted to welcome her back with us again.

Of course no reference to the last invasion is complete without our Welsh heroine Jemima Nicholas.  It was with sadness that we read of the death of  Yvonne Fox, who became a Fishguard icon as the character of Jemima since the bicentenary re-enactment in 1997. We hope this show will serve as a fitting tribute to her.

The premiere is, appropriately, at Fishguard School on Saturday 8th May.  Other performances are at Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, on Tuesday 11th May and Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th May. We do hope you come and enjoy a happy evening.

Derek Miles on the left is Sir Paul Ackland and Gary Crane is Lord Milford