:INTERVIEW: Julian Hirst from Yeomen of the Guard, South Hill Park Arts Centre.

WE all know that everyone’s favourite ‘soap’ opera Eastenders has been struggling for inspired plots recently, so maybe the scriptwriters, and the audience, should pop down to South Hill Park Arts Centre next week for a piece of the real thing!

Henry VIII’s 16th century Tower Green is the setting for East Berkshire Operatic Society’s (EBOS) next extravaganza, Yeomen of the Guard in which the long-established local group cooks up a bubbling pot of intrigue, suspense, tears and tragedy, all interspersed with the fantastic songs of supreme duo Gilbert and Sullivan.

The show tells the story of the doomed Colonel Fairfax, awaiting execution in the tower for alleged sorcery.

Chairman of EBOS and regular performer Julian Hirst plays Sergeant Merrill, who disguises the hero as his son in a bid to save him.

Julian explains: “I play Sergeant Merrill. I played him 20 years ago but this time I have to wear less make up as I am much older and the part is older!”

He says that Yeomen is one of the most popular Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and is “reckoned to be their own favourite” because they were proudest of it.

It is the nearest thing to an actual opera they did, and interestingly, it is the only one of their works that has a sad ending.

Julian explains that most G & S operas have a “topsy turvy” style as in the film of the same name by Mike Leigh, where “somebody got swapped at birth”.

For the EBOS team, their latest production is particularly challenging because it is the first time they are performing “in the round”.

Julian explains: “The action will take place in the normal stalls, and the audience sit on all four sides including the normal stage space.

“The Wilde Theatre is a flexible space so it is a good place to try it.

“It is the first time we have done this but we like to think of ourselves as innovative and challenging.”

The show plays from Tuesday, May 13, to Saturday, May 17. Evening performances will begin at 7.30pm, and there will also be a Saturday afternoon matinee at 2.30pm.

For tickets call South Hill Park Arts Centre box office on (01344) 484123.