David Adams (Private Willis) joined TEPOS for its 2001 production of the Mikado and last year appeared as Mr Hasler in The Pajama Game before donning a Cockney accent as 'Enery the Eighth in September's Music Hall. Delighted to be playing his first solo singing part, he would like to point out that it is many years since he last appeared "on parade". David is a long serving member of St Martin's Players in Barnehurst, most recently appearing as Merlin in their Christmas pantomime.

Jane Barnes (Phyllis) is making her first appearance in fairyland, albeit as the only mortal female in the show. In recent years she has played Mabel (The Pirates of Penzance), Aline (The Sorcerer) and Yum-Yum (The Mikado) with TEPOS, as well as Casilda (The Gondoliers) with the Centenary Company. Her other appearances in local operas and operettas include Carmen, La Traviata, Pink Champagne and The Magic Flute. Jane hopes to take part once again in Musical Nights this July.

Christopher Betterton (Strephon) joined TEPOS in 1995 after a year celebrating Blackheath Concert Halls' centenary in HMS Pinafore and Iolanthe. His first TEPOS role was the Heavenly Friend in Carousel, which is a non-singing part but he didn't take the hint. Subsequent roles include Freddy (My Fair Lady), Prez (The Pajama Game) and with Sidcup OS, Tommy (Brigadoon). Christopher wishes it to be known that he has had to work very hard defining the character of the spoilt child that is Strephon.

Sarah Coleman (Leila) is enjoying a nostalgic trip with this production, as Iolanthe was her first experience of treading the boards (ahem) years ago. Despite (literally) tripping round the stage, she wasn't put off, and is looking forward to doing it again. The only problem has been that last time she played Celia and this time she's playing Leila - so if she says the wrong dialogue, please bear with her! In all seriousness, Sarah has thoroughly enjoyed this production.

William Fletcher (Tolloller) joined TEPOS in 1987 playing the beggar in Fiddler on the Roof. Since then he has worked his way up in the world, his roles with the Society have included the courtier Cyril (Princess Ida), the clergyman Dr Daly (The Sorcerer) and the factory manager Vernon Hines (The Pajama Game). He is pleased that despite his humble origins his many years of service to teapotting have finally been recognised with an elevation to the Peerage in the New Year Honours List!

Elizabeth Pinel (Celia) is performing her first major role since playing Mrs Darling in a school production aged seven, having warmed up in recent years with one word in Merrie England (Guildford Opera Society), one line in Jack the Ripper (TEPOS) and two lines in The Pirates of Penzance (Centenary Company). Liz notes that the actress who played Celia in the original production attracted the romantic attentions of a real Earl!

Stuart Pinel (Mountararat) is returning to G&S after a seven-year absence, having promised to behave himself this time. He originally intended to lurk in the chorus, but the lure of playing a patriotic, misogynistic buffoon was too strong; however, as a firm believer in the hereditary principle, he was annoyed to find that he had to audition rather than getting the role by right as the director's brother. Taking method acting to extremes, Stuart has prepared for his role by observing politicians as a Whitehall mandarin for three years.

Richard Rook (Lord Chancellor) has played roles in all 13 of the Savoy Operas; a former Strephon, he has directed a 1920s set production of Iolanthe at the Churchill Theatre. For TEPOS, Richard has appeared as Luiz (The Gondoliers), Pierre (Bless the Bride) and Alexis (The Sorcerer) and directed Land of Smiles, Carousel, The Sorcerer, Jack the Ripper and The Pajama Game. Future plans include directing Battleship Pinafore, a new look HMS Pinafore for Bromley Operatic.

Marion Terry (Fleta) has TEPOS to thank for introducing her to her husband John, whom she met when she joined the Society for its 1980 production of Oklahoma. She has played many principal roles with TEPOS (including Mabel in last year's The Pajama Game) and other groups, and appears in concerts and festivals throughout London. In 2001 she greatly enjoyed performing songs from Oliver! and Les Miserables in the open-air spectacular Music of the Night at Woolwich.

Rose Walker (Iolanthe) has taken part in TEPOS shows since The Gondoliers in 1987, and has also performed with other local societies including Hulviz, the Centenary Company and Ferrier. Her various principal roles include Gladys in TEPOS' The Pajama Game last year. Rose is delighted to be playing the title role in Iolanthe.

Myra Warwick (Fairy Queen) sings in a variety of styles from oratorio to modern musical, but her abiding love is for the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. Over many years she has performed most of the leading contralto roles and until recently appeared regularly at Hever Castle. She has travelled twice to Zimbabwe to perform. Myra also belongs to a small Music Hall troupe, where she recreates many of the famous acts performing when Gilbert & Sullivan were writing their operas.

Alan Thompson (Musical Director) is a native of Jarrow but came south at an early age; having decided to make a career out of music, he hasn't been able to afford the journey back! Alan spent 28 years with the Royal Artillery Band, where he played piano, cello and clarinet (not all at the same time) and has been musical director of every TEPOS show and concert since 1971. He classes himself as a "musical navvy" and will turn his hand to most things.

Jeremy Pinel (Director) started performing and directing G&S while at university and joined TEPOS for its 1997 Princess Ida. Following his diabolical performances in the title roles of the Society's 2 for 2000 "The Sorcerer" and "Jack the Ripper", he was invited to direct the following year's The Mikado in a desperate bid to keep him off the stage. As well as directing, Jeremy is loitering in the Iolanthe chorus and wishes to point out that his facial hair is all his own, as are some of the harmonies he sings!