<img src='' title='Event Category: Opera' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Opera

Iolanthe

The “masters of G&S” and Off West End award winning Charles Court Opera, return to Wilton’s to present their enchanting production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s sharp satire of power, privilege and parliamentary democracy. 

The production is directed by renowned operetta specialist John Savournin, whose recent productions include The Merry Widow and Trial by Jury for Scottish Opera, Opera Holland Park and D’Oyly Carte and CCO’s recent production of Patience. 

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’, brought to life with original Musical Direction by David Eaton, audiences can expect an evening of first class entertainment and riotous fun suitable for all ages. 

With a cast including familiar faces such as Matthew Kellett, Meriel Cunningham and Llio Evans this magical production is not to be missed. 

★★★★ The Stage 

Production photography: Robert Workman

Website: www.charlescourtopera.com
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Patience

Charles Court Opera

presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s

PATIENCE

or Bunthorne’s Bride

 

★★★★★ “Hilarity with class – the hallmark of a Charles Court Opera” Hackney Gazette on Patience

“The masters of G&S in small spaces” bring their beloved production of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s funniest operettas to Wilton’s, for one week only, as part of the company’s 20th anniversary celebrations, following their magical production of The Magic Flute, this Spring.

Charles Court Opera are well known for presenting witty, exquisite G&S productions, and Patience is no exception. Directed by John Savournin, musically directed by David Eaton (the team behind the smash hit The Yeomen of the Guard at Opera Holland Park) and designed by Simon Bejer (winner of Best Opera at the Offies), audiences can expect first class performances from a terrific young cast, led by Catriona Hewitson in the title role (recently starring in Scottish Opera’s The Gondoliers), and a host of beloved CCO regulars.

Gilbert’s pen was rarely sharper than when he wrote this delicious satire on artistic movements, hero-worship and meaningless fads. Patience brims with biting humour, over the top characters, and music that is by turns toe-tapping and sumptuous. It is a satire of the aesthetic movement that gained the support of Oscar Wilde, which CCO brings into the 21st century in this inventive reimagining.

This witty, intimate and sparkling CCO production is not to be missed.

Charles Court Opera is no stranger to Wilton’s, as one of the leading chamber opera and music theatre companies in the UK. They are considered a champion of Gilbert and Sullivan, and recently collaborated with Opera Holland Park to present a smash hit production of The Yeomen of the Guard. They have received multiple ‘Offie’ awards for their productions in London’s off-west-end, and their productions have toured to venues ranging from pub theatres to concert halls across the UK, the USA and Europe, and they are committed to devising new work, education and outreach projects. Their notorious ‘Boutique Pantos’ have become a legendary part of London’s Christmas, known for their ‘off-piste’ nature and described by the Telegraph as “an annual madhouse”.

Production Photography by Bill Knight.

EMCA Presents Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera, a groundbreaking production that unites music, culture and storytelling in a powerful celebration of diverse voices. Written and composed by the visionary Helen Epega (The Venus Bushfires), this unique opera blends Nigerian Pidgin English, Patois, Creole, Cockney, Hip-Hop Vernacular and Multicultural London Slang with Western Classical music, creating a truly multisensory experience.

Follow the heroine Kenate on a journey of love, betrayal and redemption through an Afrofuturistic lens. This 90-minute performance features a stellar cast, including Helen Epega (Composer, Librettist, Lead Vocalist, Hang Drum), Richard Ọlátúndé Baker (AfricanPercussion), Abdul William (Steel Pans), Francis Angol (Choreographer) and Baba Epega (Executive Producer), alongside Louisa Martin (Soprano), Francesca Bartolo (Mezzo), Jacob Cole (Tenor), Ted Day (Baritone) and Elliott Park (Piano).

After sold-out performances across London and a triumphant return to Wilton’s Music Hall, Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera continues to captivate and inspire. Hailed as “incredible” by LondonTheatre1, “fantastic” by Daniel Neale, BBC and an “eye-opening experience” by Maxim, The Prodigy, this opera celebrates African culture, pushing the boundaries of traditional opera with its innovative sound and storytelling.

Join us for this special anniversary run—a celebration of music, culture and the power of
creative expression. Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera is an enchanting experience that will
stay with you long after the final note.

Instagram – @songqueen_apidginopera and @thevenusbushfires 

Book your tickets now for an unforgettable evening!

The Mikado

Photo credit: Mike Kwasniak

Presented by Opera della Luna

Following the success of The Parson’s Pirates, Opera della Luna returns to Wilton’s with its most vibrant and popular production yet: The Mikado.

This astonishing and inventive company have achieved nationwide recognition for their innovative and energetic shows.

Their Mikado is set in the zany sparkling world of modern fashion houses. With costumes inspired by Versace and Jean-Paul Gaultier, it promises a riot of gorgeous and bizarre creations. Sequins, stunning gowns, glorious singing, and, of course, the company’s inimitable brand of mad-cap humour!

Like all OdL’s work, the show is performed with a cast of eight multi-talented singer/actors, no chorus, and the company’s own ten-piece orchestral ensemble.

The Magic Flute

Presented by Charles Court Opera

Music by W.A. Mozart, in a new English version by John Savournin and David Eaton.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary Charles Court Opera make a welcome return to Wilton’s with their gloriously magical take on Mozart’s popular comic masterpiece, The Magic Flute, after their triumphant success with The Barber of Seville (★★★★ The Times). 

Set in the heart of the mysterious jungle, join intrepid explorer Tamino as he embarks on a journey filled with fantastical, magical creatures, where nothing is as it seems.  Sung in a refreshing translation by John Savournin (book) and David Eaton (lyrics), this utterly beautiful production, filled with enchanting puppetry, magic and witty surprises, promises to be an absolute treat for opera lovers and newcomers of all ages. 

Featuring some of CCO’s finest singers, with sumptuous designs by Simon Bejer, this is one you absolutely do not want to miss.