Duration
2 hrs 50 mins with interval
Closing Date
Until October 25, 2023
Age limit
To be confirmed ##Know Before You Go
Why Watch Iolanthe?
Since its debut in 1882, Gilbert and Sullivan's timeless operetta, Iolanthe, has captivated audiences with its enchanting blend of romance, humor, political satire, and captivating musical numbers.
The spectacle presents a hilarious satirical fantasy with a topsy-turvy world in which the fairy folk and the peers of the British realm find their lives turned upside down.
The masterful Cal McCrystal makes a triumphant return to direct this production, infusing it with his trademark blend of uproarious physical comedy, irreverence, and clever wordplay.
Secure your Iolanthe tickets to witness the thrilling clash of mortal and fairy realms at the renowned London Coliseum for the 2023 ENO season!!
Iolanthe tickets are now available for purchase! The production will be held at the London Coliseum from the 5th to the 25th of October. Grab your Iolanthe tickets right away to avoid missing out! Arthur Sullivan composed the music for the comedic opera Iolanthe, while W. S. Gilbert penned the libretto. Gilbert and Sullivan's fourth straight hit, Iolanthe premiered in London on November 25, 1882, at the Savoy Theatre to enthusiastic reviews and lasted for 398 performances. Returning to direct this play, Cal McCrystal brings his trademark gloriously wild physical comedy, irreverence, and clever wit. Samantha Price as Iolanthe, a former ENO Harewood Artist, is the star of a cast that features baritone Marcus Farnsworth as Strephon.
Storyline
Half-man, half-fairy Strephon wants to get married to Phyllis but Phyllis needs the Lord Chancellor's approval as she is a court-appointed ward. However, the Lord Chancellor wants her all to himself, which presents another issue. And that’s not the only problem. Gilbert's script pokes fun at the conceits and egos of the lords of the realm, while Sullivan's ever-melodic soundtrack does the same. Iolanthe also explores the poisonous celebrity culture for good measure. There are digs at Queen Victoria, Lord Randolph Churchill, the reformer Tory, and William Gladstone, the incumbent Liberal Prime Minister, along with thinly veiled depictions of the rich and influential members of late Victorian society. Book your Iolanthe tickets now!
Show timings
Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri: 7 PM
Sat: 2 PM & 7 PM
BSL Performance: 24 Oct 2023 at 7 PM
Cast & Crew
Leading Roles
Samantha Price as Iolanthe
Ellie Laugharne as Phyllis
Catherine Wyn-Rogers as Queen of the Fairies
Marcus Farnsworth as Strephon
John Savournin as Lord Chancellor
Conductor
Chris Hopkins
Director
Cal McCrystal
Designer (Sets and Costumes)
Paul Brown
Top songs
Listen to the soaring musical numbers of this classic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan.
London Coliseum
A multi-arts venue, The London Coliseum was designed by the renowned Theatre Architect, Frank Matcham. It opened in 1904 with the aspirations to become one of London's largest and most luxurious "family" variety theatres. Its original seating capacity is 2,939 people. English National Opera is a highly acclaimed opera company located at the London Coliseum. They are recognized internationally for their rich repertoire of innovative productions conducted by the world's greatest conductors and starring the best available singers. London Coliseum seating plan seating capacity: 2,939
The London Coliseum seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting There
- Address: London Coliseum, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES, UK
- By metro:
Charing Cross and Leicester Square are the nearest stations served by the Northern, Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines
- By train:
Charing Cross Train Station is the nearest station.
- By bus:
Buses servicing the area include Charing Cross Road (24, 29 and 176) and Charing Cross Station or Trafalgar Square (6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 87 and 91)
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Toilets, Dining outlets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Elevator access, Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed
Additional Information
Security: Please be aware that for your comfort and security all audience members will be subject to security checks upon arrival at the London Coliseum.
Dress Code: Smart and casual wear or semi-formals are recommended. Keep in mind, that most London theatres are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
Outside Food: Most theatres do not allow outside food inside the theatres but most of them also have a café or restaurant inside the premises or nearby.
Tickets Redemption
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Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Buy your Iolanthe tickets online for a hassle-free and convenient experience that ensures the best deals and discounts.
The cost of the Iolanthe tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The best way to buy cheap or discounted Iolanthe tickets is to book them online as you will often come across attractive discounts. Book your Iolanthe tickets in advance as they tend to get more expensive closer to the show date.
You can easily buy last-minute Iolanthe tickets online.
Booking Iolanthe tickets online will give you the opportunity to select your specific seats, thus, ensuring you do not get stuck with partial view seating. But if you try your luck with lottery tickets, or purchase day seats, your seats will be allocated at the discretion of the Box Office, which can potentially mean partial view seating or split seats.
Iolanthe opens on 5 Oct 2023 at London Coliseum.
Iolanthe’s age limit is to be confirmed.
Iolanthe is playing at London Coliseum in London and opens on 5 Oct 2023.
The running time of Iolanthe is 2 hours and 50 minutes with one interval.
Iolanthe is an operetta about the fairy Iolanthe, her half-mortal son Strephon, and Phyllis, the love of his life. This satirical production sheds light on our society and explores themes such as class, duty, love and societal norms.
You can find the Iolanthe playlist here.
The main stars of Iolanthe are Samantha Price as Iolanthe, Ellie Laugharne as Phyllis, Catherine Wyn-Rogers as Queen of the Fairies, Marcus Farnsworth as Strephon, John Savournin as Lord Chancellor.
There is no specific dress code at West End. However, it is prudent to dress in semi-formals or smart casuals and something comfortable. Carry a light sweater or a jacket as the theatre can get a bit chilly.
No, outside food is not allowed while attending Iolanthe. Most theatres do have a cafeteria or bar inside the premises where you can get snacks and drinks.
London Coliseum has multiple facilities including a bar, restaurant, and toilets available for the audiences during Iolanthe.
Photography, videography, and sound recording are prohibited inside the theatre. Some theatres do have a souvenir shop from where you can purchase pictures of stills of the show.
