Aireborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society is giving Princess Ida a twist – setting it in the Swinging Sixties.

The comic opera, said to contain WS Gilbert’s funniest libretto, is about a princess who sets up a women’s university and teaches that women are superior to men and should rule in their place.

When the prince to whom she was betrothed in infancy is discovered sneaking into the university with two friends, disguised as women students, a war between the sexes soon ensues.

Based on a Tennyson poem, the opera satirises feminism, women’s education and Darwinian evolution, all controversial topics for Victorians, now transferred into a Sixties setting.

“The cast have been busy with costumers getting that 1960s look. The next job is to paint the set next weekend,” says director Anita Adams.

Anyone willing to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in is asked to call Margaret Barnes on (0113) 228 7616.

Princess Ida runs from February 7 to 11 at Yeadon Town Hall. Tickets are on (01943) 872020.