Described as one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operettas, The Mikado, is set to hit the stage at Watford Palace Theatre but this time with a modern twist, says director Julia Rufey.

“The Abbots Langley Gilbert & Sullivan Society (ALGSS) has always produced high quality shows and this is no exception, with fantastic principles and a great chorus," says the 62-year-old from Abbots Langley. "We have brought the show right up to date with some topical lyrics for the classic song ‘I have a little list’.

“As with most Gilbert and Sullivan productions the plot of Mikado is complicated, but is it witty and funny, which is why absolutely love it,” adds Julia, who jumped at the chance when she was asked to direct this production for ALGSS.

Set in the bustling Japanese town of Titipu, where Nanki-Poo is looking for Yum-Yum, Katisha is looking for Nanki-Poo, The Mikado is looking for Ko-Ko and Ko-Ko wants to cut Nanki-Poo’s head off. The plot twists and turns but everything turns out in the end.

Julia, who trained as an actress and director at the Guildhall School, says: “Gilbert, who wrote the words and the lyrics of the songs in the 1870s, was absolutely was bang up to date at the time. He was the Stephen Fry of his day. He made of fun of politicians and society at large. We’ve updated some of it, because some of his references are not really appropriate these days and put a few new bits to the show.

“This is not the first time the group has put on The Mikado, but it is the first time, as the copyright has been lifted that we have been able to change and update bits.”

She adds: “The group have been going on decades and I have directed three generations of the same family in come cases. I think it is just wonderful and to have such a quality group in a village area like ours, where children are growing up and coming into the show. It is great to see they are passing down their legacy.”

Members of the cast performed a flash mob in Watford Intu near John Lewis on Saturday (2pm). Watford Palace Theatre from February 3-6. Details: 01923 225671, watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk