REVIEW: GILBERT AND SULLIVAN’S IOLANTHE by CCO at Wilton’s Music Hall 17 – 28 February 2026
‘A company of this calibre, offering affordable tickets for this splendid production of Iolanthe, bravo!’ ★★★★★
A visit to the oldest surviving grand Victorian music hall in the world is a treat in itself but this production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe makes it a delightfully full evening of entertainment. This might be my first experience of G&S but Charles Court Opera has been in my sight line for many years. Artistic Director John Savournin was a regular at King’s Head Theatre when it was at its pub theatre venue and a performance by Savournin himself has stuck in my memory for its delicacy and depth of characterisation. Now, this same aesthetic is brought to his production of Iolanthe.
The story for this light comic opera, sounds rather silly but this not at all the case, in the hands of CCO, it is deeply satirical. Set in two different worlds, the House of Lords and the realm of the fairies, the two intertwine in a complicated story of passion, romance and politics. There’s a distinct and rather affectionate mockery of the pretentions of the peerage. We all know that the underdog will win in the long term, which provides an enormously satisfying ending to the show.
The production has many surprises. Firstly, two of the fairies are rather mischievous, played by Sarah Prestwidge and Martha Jones. They have the kind of rapport which is tremendous fun and this pair also turn up as humans in the quickest and most complete change of costume imaginable. Meriel Cunningham, who plays the Fairy Queen, has jaws dropping, for the stunning depth and tone of her voice which seems at odds with her appearance. Matthew Kellett as Lord Chancellor on several occasions also stuns us with his ability to sing very fast patter with such clarity of annunciation that the words can be clearly understood.
This is essential to grasp just how much G&S’s opera not only sounds good but is also hilariously funny. CCO has added to this by bringing it bang up to date with topical references and lampooning one very well known character. Catrine Kirkman plays Lady Mountararat as Margaret Thatcher to perfection. One of the most amusing portrayals that I have ever seen. Praise too, for the chamber orchestra, whose playing was immaculate under the steady hands of the conductor and musical director David Eaton. Finally, a mention of the on point costume design by Rachel Szmukler and the choreography by Merry Holden which gave so many visual gags.
The show is without any real sense of political bias, conservatives and liberals come in for equal ridicule. Instead, the ending transcends human chaos and absurdity with unity and love. If only …
GILBERT AND SULLIVAN’S IOLANTHE
Charles Court Opera at Wilton’s Music Hall 17 – 28 February 2026
Tue - Sat 7:00PM / Thurs & Sat matinee 2:00PM
BOX OFFICE
020 7702 2789
and online at https://www.wiltons.org.uk
Website: www.charlescourtopera.com
X: charlescourt
Facebook: charlescourtopera
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Production photography: Robert Workman
CAST LIST
The Lord Chancellor Matthew Kellett (except 20th & 21st Feb) Philip Lee (20th & 21st Feb)
Earl Tolloller David Menezes
Lady Mountararat Catrine Kirkman
Strephon / Peter Willis Matthew Palmer
The Fairy Queen Meriel Cunningham
Celia Sarah Prestwidge
Leila Martha Jones
Iolanthe Eleanor O’Driscoll
Phylls Llio Evans
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
