Oh, for a magic wand to wave about and cure the cares of the world. The works of Gilbert & Sullivan often have a satirical edge and none more so than the political operetta Iolanthe, in which fairy folk cast spells on parliament to keep them in line.

Iolanthe is a fairy who is banished from her magical kingdom for having dared to marry a mortal. Raising her son, Strephon, single-handedly she is dismayed when years later he is prevented from marrying the girl he loves. Determined that this time around justice will be done, she summons the help of the formidable Fairy Queen, who steps in to change the privileges that the Lords hold so dear.

Playing the Fairy Queen requires confidence and verve, so it is no surprise that in Abbots Langley Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s (ALGSS) production, the role has fallen to Debbie Southorn, who has practically been weaned on G&S and has a long history with Iolanthe.

Debbie’s grandparents, Muriel and George Martin, were founder members of the society. Her great-grandfather was also a singer and Debbie’s mother, Janet Nicholson, is a life member and worked as wardrobe mistress for many years.

An early years teacher at Laurance Haines School in Watford, Debbie has been with ALGSS for 26 years. She was 14 when she first performed as a fairy in Iolanthe in 1985. In the same production was a young David Southorn playing the Lord Chancellor’s page. At that age they were not remotely interested in each other but that changed in 1998 when romance blossomed.

“I’d always known of David but we didn’t meet until he was roped in to do a show,“ says Debbie. “We got paired up on a couple of numbers for Pirates of Penzance but it took me a while to cotton on to the fact he was quite a nice guy.“

The couple went on to marry and have two young boys, who no doubt are destined to join the dynasty of performers.

“Toby is four and Harvey is nine. He’s already been singing solos in the church choir this Christmas and he was in a production a couple of years ago where he did an introduction with his grandmother. He attends the Abbots Young People’s Drama Centre and certainly showing signs of wanting to be on stage. He feels quite comfortable up there.“

After graduating from the chorus, Debbie went on to play the fairy Celia in the 2004 production of Iolanthe at the Palace and Buxton Opera House.

“Now I’ve been promoted to Fairy Queen,“ says Debbie. “She’s a feisty one – a Brunehilde type, who’s very forthright and not afraid of a few peers.“

To add to the fun, co-director Julia Rufey has given each fairy a character and each cast member has created their own costume to bring out their individuality with assistance from ALGSS make-up artist Margaret Dolamore.

“There’s a fairy with a cleaning obsession, Fairy Liquid, gardening fairies, dustbin fairies and painters and decorators. There’s a lot of glitter in the show everybody sparkles. Our make up is quite elaborate and we have technicolour hair as well. I have the most enormous glittery white dress.“

Iolanthe comes to the Palace Theatre, Watford from January 23-28. The last night of the show will be dedicated to the memory of ALGSS’ late president Patricia Barton.

Details: 01923 225671.