Iolanthe

Iolanthe by Gilbert & Sullivan, is a satirical fantasy. Strephon and Phyllis want to get married, but Phyllis needs the Lord Chancellor's permission because she is a court-appointed ward. However, the Lord Chancellor desires her for himself. Iolanthe, an operetta with an infectious score and sharp humour that takes aim at peers of the realm and the British political system, also features very obvious depictions of Queen Victoria and William Gladstone, the time's liberal prime minister.

In this spectacle by Gilbert and Sullivan, life in the fairy realm and in Parliament are flipped around. Cal McCrystal returns to helm this performance with his trademark gleefully chaotic physical comedy, irreverence, and inventive wordplay. Former ENO Harewood Artist Samantha Price, who plays Iolanthe, leads a cast of ENO favourites, which also features baritone Marcus Farnsworth as Strephon. Iolanthe is an ideal performance for you if you like magical, hilarious operettas with a dash of political critique. What are you waiting for? Book your Iolanthe tickets now!

The Story

In Iolanthe, a delightful tale unfolds as Phyllis and Strephon, an extraordinary half-man, half-fairy couple, long to marry. However, an obstacle stands in their way – as Phyllis is under the care of the court, she must seek the Lord Chancellor's approval. Unfortunately, the Lord Chancellor harbors his own desires and wants Phyllis all to himself.

With Sullivan's enchanting melodies complementing Gilbert's clever libretto, the operetta skillfully satirizes the vanities and egos of the peers of the realm. Moreover, Iolanthe takes a keen aim at the toxicity of celebrity culture. It artfully portrays thinly veiled characters representing the notable figures of late Victorian society, including sly references to Queen Victoria, her personal servant and 'close companion' John Brown, the reformist Tory Lord Randolph Churchill, and the serving Liberal Prime Minister William Gladstone. This intriguing blend of romance, satire, and clever commentary makes Iolanthe a timeless and captivating masterpiece. Book your Iolanthe tickets today!

Great For

Opera Lovers | Comedy Fans | Political Satire Enthusiasts