Apart from their sharp wit and Topsy-Turvy silliness, both of which still resonate with audiences today – there was much laughter from the Wilton’s audience during the performance I attended – W S Gilbert’s libretti abound with astute satire, Iolanthe poking fun at those who purport to govern us from ‘the ruling class’ and therefore being even more relevant than when this ‘Fairy Opera’ was first staged in 1882, using the newly invented electric light for the first time in any theatre, the fairies’ costumes glittering with battery powered “fairy lights”.
John Savournin’s superbly light and witty production for Charles Court Opera was first seen in 2020, but was curtailed after four showings owing to the first Covid lockdown. So, it is a double pleasure to see it revived by James Hurley at Wilton’s, where it comes up fresh as new paint! Savournin has a way of looking afresh at Gilbert’s words, the dialogue often being very amusing, with few alterations except to make it more comprehensible to a modern audience. Merry Holden’s choreography of the musical numbers is always apt, and the dialogue flows smoothly into and out of the songs. There are a few musical cuts, such as the double chorus in Act Two, but these are few and far between, and help tighten the production: the Chorus of Peers in the first act is most amusing, despite there being no male chorus. To say any more would spoil one of the highlights of the show.
Singing and acting are at a very high level: Meriel Cunningham is a young Fairy Queen. Usually played as one of Gilbert’s ‘Old Ladies’, she is portrayed here as looking as if she is in her mid-twenties, as fairies do not age! She possesses a true contralto voice, which is not only very attractive but also has a striking lower register. Her diction is first-rate, as is that of all the cast, and her second-act song, to the London fire brigade chief Captain Shaw, is very witty.
Eleanor O’Driscoll as Iolanthe has the lightness of touch the role rarely receives, and Lilo Evans does a hilarious impression of Charlie Dimmock (her of the TV garden water features) as Phyllis, who, in this production, is a gardener at the Palace of Westminster. Sarah Prestwidge (Celia) and Martha Jones (Lelia) make a wonderful double act as the female chorus, especially in their use of facial expression!
As far as the Ruling Class are concerned, David Menezes demonstrates a gorgeous unforced tenor as Earl Tolloller, Catherin Kirkman is a hilarious Lady Mountararat, in the mould of Margaret Thatcher twinned with Theresa May! The Lord Chancellor himself is Philip Lee, who exhibits terrific energy in the role as well as taking his Nightmare Song at a sensible speed so that one can hear, assimilate, and laugh at the words, which the audience does!
Strephon is convincingly played as a Groundsman at the palace, rather than as an Arcadian shepherd, which works well and Private Willis in the original finds himself as a librarian (Peter Willis) in the House of Lords. Matthew Palmer portrays both roles with elan and a rich baritone.
Rachel Schneider, the original designer, sets the piece in the Palace of Westminster, which works well on Wilton’s split-level stage and Molly Fraser’s costume designs are inventive and clearly easy to use.
David Eaton, the conductor and Musical Director of Charles Court Opera, possesses that rare gift of having a crystal-clear, springy beat, essential for G and S, as well as being able to play percussion at the same time! The six-piece orchestra, consisting of wind, cello and piano, sounds as if the players are enjoying themselves as much as the audience and those on stage, especially the superb bassoonist, Philip Gibbon.
All in all, Charles Court Opera’s production of Iolanthe is quite outstanding and so much fun! It will appeal not only to all who already love G&S, but to those who say they loathe it – but have never seen or heard it! Very highly recommended!
Review by John Groves
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 Arthur 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’, audiences can expect an evening of first class entertainment and riotous fun suitable for all ages.
CAST
Lord Chancellor Matthew Kellett
Queen of the Fairies Meriel Cunningham
Iolanthe Eleanor O’Driscoll
Phyllis Llio Evans
Strephon and Willis Matthew Palmer
Earl Tolloller David Menezes
Lady Mountararat Catrine Kirkman
Celia Sarah Prestwidge
Leila Martha Jones
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director John Savournin
Musical Director David Eaton
Designer Rachel Szmukler
Lighting Designer Ben Pickersgill
Revival Director James Hurley
Revival Designer Molly Fraser
Choreographer Merry Holden
IOLANTHE
Wilton’s Music Hall
17 to 28 February 2026
