Iolanthe

Following a critically acclaimed run at Wilton's Music Hall, including Fringe Theatre Award nominations for Best Opera Direction, Best Opera Production, Best Opera Ensemble Performance, Best Opera Choreography, and Best Opera Musical Direction, Charles Court Opera is delighted to be on tour this year with their enchanting production of Gilbert & Sullivan's sharp satire of power, privilege and parliamentary democracy.

Directed by CCO's Artistic Director, John Savournin, this witty and magical operetta tells a tale of forbidden love causing an absurdist fusion of two worlds – the magical fairies of Fairyland and a bamboozled House of Peers.

Featuring some of Sullivan's most glorious music, including Oh foolish fay, If you go in, you're sure to win and what is popularly known as The Nightmare Song.

Iolanthe promises an evening of first class entertainment and riotous fun suitable for all ages.  

Audiences can expect first class performances from a terrific young cast which includes an array of CCO favourites. Leading the cast is CCO stalwart Matthew Kellett (Lord Chancellor), who returns after his critically acclaimed performance as Bunthorne in Patience, for which he was nominated for a Fringe Award. He is joined by another company regular Meriel Cunningham (Fairy Queen), David Menezes (Tolloller), and a CCO comedic favourite Catrine Kirkman as Lady Mountararat, who was also nominated for a Fringe Award for her role as Lady Jane in Patience. The rest of the excellent young casting is announced as follows: Llio Evans (Phyllis), Matthew Palmer (Strephon/Willis), Eleanor O’Driscoll (Iolanthe), Sarah Prestwidge (Celia) and Martha Jones (Leila).