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Savoy Theatre: Previewed 15 February, Opened 20 February 2002, Closed 6 April 2002

Operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan. Directed by Martin Conner. Designed by Mark Bailey. Music Director John Owen Edwards.

Strephon, an Arcadian shepherd, wants to marry Phyllis, a ward in chancery. Strephon, however, is half fairy -- down to the waist. His mother, Iolanthe, pleads his cause.

Presented by The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.

Following this production The Yeomen of the Guard will be presented at this theatre from 12 April 2002.

This will be The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company's fourth production at the Savoy Theatre in the last two years and follows H.M.S. Pinafore (two months, Feb to April 2000), The Mikado (four months, Sept 2000 to Jan 2001), The Pirates of Penzance (two months, April to June 2001). Following this production The Yeomen of the Guard will be presented from 12 April 2002.
Both H.M.S. Pinafore and The Mikado where nominated for 2001 Olivier Awards in the 'Outstanding Musical Production' category.

News about the show

Extracts from the reviews:

"There are few greater pleasures in life than a really good performance of Gilbert and Sullivan, and this was one such... This was a splendidly fresh evening... Absolutely the best thing was the musical performance... John Owen Edwards is a first-rate conductor who really understands the beauty of Sullivan's melodies and the subtlety of orchestration in this, his most Mendelssohnian score... Martin Connor's production had an anarchic quality to match the zany inconsequentiality of Gilbert's text... Bill Deamer's choreography was really neat... I loved every minute of it." The Times

"A chorus line full of character may seem slightly contradictory. But in D'Oyly Carte's splendid new Iolanthe the crowd of buxom, blooming fairies with wills (as well as wands) of their own is the foundation of the show's success. Perfect self-conscious footwork is matched with just the right amount of playing up to the audience. Laughter starts early and never stops. But, in fact, the overture gets exactly the delicate expressive playing it deserves, and conductor John Owen Edwards manages that balance between relaxation and energy that ideally supports Gilbert's marvellously entertaining words... The well-chosen cast can certainly shine even more effectively in their plum roles, buoyed by the strength of ensemble and company feeling that distinguish this production." The London Evening Standard

"...Martin Connor's production is broadly traditional, with nice colourful designs by Mark Bailey and a few harmless gags. The result is good, clean family fun, a quantity which our opera companies today are reluctant to provide, hugely appreciated by an audience of all colours and ages. John Owen Edwards was the expert conductor of Sullivan's marvellous score (the Act I finale is simply a miracle of quick fire wit and melody). There were no great voices in the cast, but plenty of splendid performances... Recent D'Oyly Carte productions have been criminally amplified: this one was mike-free, and all the better for it." The Daily Telegraph