GILBERT and Sullivan -- and Coe -- feature in Whitefield Amateur Operatic Society's version of The Mikado which runs from tonight until Saturday.

Neil Coe from Horwich has helped re-write the lyrics to the operetta which is being staged at Radcliffe Civic Suite.

The re-write has come as part of an attempt to put a modern day slant on the piece so that it appeals to younger audiences.

The show opens with a traditional Japanese fan dance, before the audience is transported to the Japanese Embassy in London where the remaining action takes place.

Adapted

Script and song lyrics have been adapted to make the transition into the 21st century complete.

Neil's work includes changing Koko's song Little List, and giving a modern perspective to Three Little Maids from School, which is now Three Jolly Girls from the Gym.

Special training for the two principal cast members has also taken place in Bolton.

Mark Rosenthal, who plays the bumbling Lord High Executioner Koko, and Alison Green, who appears as the "desperate to wed" Katisha, have both undergone Bolton martial arts classes for the role.

That is because in this production, Katisha is a martial arts expert, and Koko is the unfortunate recipient of most of her moves.

The show runs from 7.30pm nightly with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets and further information is from 0161 766 6647 or 0161 280 2098.