No longer booking
  • Venue London Coliseum, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 25 October 2023
  • Running time 2 hours 50 minutes (including interval)

Iolanthe is a brilliantly funny, satirical fantasy.

It’s a topsy-turvy worldview, typical of Gilbert & Sullivan, in which life in the fairy world and Parliament is reversed.

Sullivan’s ever-melodious score matches Gilbert’s libretto in satirising the vanities and egos of the the peers of the realm. And, just for good measure, Iolanthe targets the celebrity culture of the day. There are thinly disguised portraits of the good and the great of late Victorian society. There are side swipes at Queen Victoria, John Brown (her personal servant and ‘close companion’), Lord Randolph Churchill (reformist Tory) and William Gladstone (the serving Liberal PM).

Cal McCrystal returns to direct this successful production. Bringing his characteristic joyfully chaotic physical comedy, irreverence and brilliant wordplay. Outstanding former ENO Harewood Artist Samantha Price leads a cast of ENO favourites, including baritone Marcus Farnsworth as Strephon.

Book Iolanthe tickets now and see this brilliantly funny, satirical fantasy on the London Coliseum stage.

Iolanthe runs from 5 October 2023 to 25 October 2023 at the London Coliseum.

Phyllis and Strephon (half man, half-fairy) wish to marry, but as Phyllis is a ward of court she requires the Lord Chancellor’s permission. The Lord Chancellor, however, wants her for himself.

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Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Iolanthe?

The cast features Samantha Price (Iolanthe), Ellie Laugharne (Phyllis), Catherine Wyn-Rogers (Queen of the Fairies), Marcus Farnsworth (Strephon), John Savournin (Lord Chancellor), Ben McAteer (Mountaratat), Ruairi Bowen (Earl Tolloller), Keel Watson (Private Willis), Llio Evans (Celia), Bethan Langford (Leila), Petra Massey (Fleta), Adam Brown (The Page) Clive Mantle (Captain Shaw).

Who are the creative team of Iolanthe?

The creative team includes: Chris Hopkins (Conductor), Cal McCrystal (Director), Paul Brown (Set & Costume Designer), Tim Mitchell (Original Lighting Designer), and Lizzi Gee (choreographer).

Important Notes

Access Performances
BSL signed performance 24 October 2023, 19:00

Venue Information

London Coliseum , St. Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES

Nearest Tube or Train: Leicester Square (Northern line, Piccadilly line), Charing Cross (Northern line, Bakerloo line), Embankment (Northern line, Bakerloo line, District line, Circle line)

Nearest Buses: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176

Directions

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Critics' reviews of Iolanthe

'This is truly a bring-the-whole-family Iolanthe for the 21st century. I loved it.' Daily Express

‘If you're not crying with laughter midway through the second act, visit your GP’ The Arts Desk

‘An all-round, knockout success’ The Financial Times

‘An evening of unending hilarity’ Daily Mail

Frequently Asked Questions

Iolanthe is playing at the London Coliseum in London
The running time of Iolanthe is 2 hours 50 minutes (including interval)
Yes, Iolanthe has matinee performances on the following days: Saturday
No, sorry, Iolanthe has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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