SeatPlan Logo
Iolanthe hero image
Iolanthe hero image
Iolanthe hero image

    Iolanthe Tickets

    ENO’s spectacular creative team conjure a classic Gilbert & Sullivan fantasy Iolanthe to the London Coliseum stage early next year. This glorious mythic satire stars a host of Lords, fairies and star-crossed lovers portrayed by a sublime ensemble of ENO favourites such as Harewood Artist Samantha Price and Andrew Shore as the Lord Chancellor.

    ENO’s remarkable season continues in the new year with Iolanthe, one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most magical and exuberant satires, pitting the supernatural woodland forces of England against the peers of the realm. Directed by Cal McCrystal (One Man, Two Guvnors) this magnificently surreal opera arrives at the London Coliseum for a limited run 13th Feb - 7th Apr 2018.

    Iolanthe tells the story of titular fairy who is banished from the fay for having fallen in love with a mortal man. Her son Strephon, half-fairy half-mortal, grows up and in turn falls in love with Phyllis, a shepherdess who is also a Ward in Chancery. Their love affair triggers a hilarious conflict between fairy folk and the peers of the realm who are all simultaneously vying for the attention of Phyllis.

    Sullivan’s sublime score creates a beautiful backdrop this fanciful farce, whilst Gilbert not only targets the English gentry but conjures hilarious thinly veiled satires of Queen Victoria, John Brown (her personal servant and ‘close companion’), Lord Randolph Churchill (reformist Tory) and William Gladstone (Liberal PM of the day).

    Director Cal McCrystal brings his characteristic irreverence and bold physical comedy to the boisterous piece. The cast is led by the inimitable young mezzo-soprano and ENO Harewood Artist Samantha Price, along with ENO favourites, including Andrew Shore as the Lord Chancellor.

    The production offers a Gilbert & Sullivan classic, a hilarious and memorable collision of fantastical creatures and parliamentary foes. Don’t miss your chance to see this stunning satire.

    Performance dates:
    07 Apr 2018 - 07 Apr 2018
    Running time:
    2 hours 45 minutes
    Venue:
    London Coliseum (See map)
    Age recommendation:
    No Children Under 5 years
    Audience Notes:
    Gilbert and Sullivan fans should not miss the opportunity to check out one of the pair’s most hysterical farces. Whilst those new to opera will adore this fantasy brimming full of whimsy, making it a fantastic introduction to the form.
    Categories:

    Best Seats

    SeatPlan Recommends: The front of the dress circle will be the best place for audiences looking to take in the full cinematic scope of this magical, madcap performance.

    Latest Audience Reviews

    My first time at a Gilbert & Sullivan opera and an absolute delight. Loved every minute of it. Ve... More

    bryonyjameson Top 200 reviewer 12 May 2018

    Iolanthe was only my third Gilbert & Sullivan experience but it exceeded all expectations. Not s... More

    TwickenhamJohn 10 Mar 2018

    Full of gimmicks. A cross between The Play that Goes Wrong and a bad panto. Too much mucking abou... More

    katsonstage Top 200 reviewer 17 Feb 2018
  • from
  • Your basket is empty.