IPSWICH's number one Gilbert and Sullivan fan is putting on his last show – and he promises a right old Victorian carry-on.Maestro Bernard Reader, who has been the director of the Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan Society for twenty eight years, is bowing out with a production of Ruddigore at the Corn Exchange in November.

IPSWICH's number one Gilbert and Sullivan fan is putting on his last show – and he promises a right old Victorian carry-on.

Maestro Bernard Reader, who has been the director of the Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan Society for twenty eight years, is bowing out with a production of Ruddigore at the Corn Exchange in November.

The work – one of the lesser-known by the famous operatic duo who also wrote the Mikado and Pirates of Penzance – will come to the stage with the spark and vigour which has come to characterise Mr Reader's direction of more than 100 cast members, musicians and back-stage teams in his many productions in the past.

As well as staging one major production a year, the society also gives concerts at venues throughout the county and Ipswich area.

"It's a very Victorian melodrama with some grand scenes and great music," said Mr Reader, who was formerly head of music at Suffolk College.

"It takes place in an English village where the lord of the manor has been cursed because of his persecution of witches years ago.

"One of them puts a hex on the Lord of Ruddigore and lots of weird and wonderful things happen."

One of the most famous scenes is the Ghosts High-Noon, said Mr Reader, adding that Ruddigore is also known for its nonsensical Patter Trio "where the words don't matter".

"This is my 28th production and my last," he said, adding with a chortle "So if any one misses it then that's it."

Ruddigore is on at the Ipswich Corn Exchange between November 14 to 17. For tickets call the box office on 01473 433100.