Our hit production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers is back and opens at London’s Hackney Empire on Wednesday 30 March, following a successful run in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness in 2021. This co-production with D'Oyly Carte Opera and State Opera South Australia also includes the chance to catch G&S’s Utopia, Limited in a semi-staged concert performance on Friday 1 April. With only a handful of professional performances of Utopia, Limited since its original staging in 1893, this is an almost unique opportunity to experience live this rarity in the G&S canon.
The productions mark our return to Hackney Empire for the first time since 2019 when we toured with Anthropocene and The Magic Flute. Praised by critics, The Times applauded The Gondoliers as a ‘bona fide great night out’, and The Stage called the production ‘gleeful and deliciously frivolous’. This double helping of G&S gives audiences the opportunity to experience some of their most joyful music and librettos, using their sparkling humour and lyrics to poke fun at the idea of monarchy, along with the press and politics of their day.
Conducted by Scottish Opera’s Head of Music Derek Clark, The Gondoliers is packed with favourites including the ‘Regular Royal Queen’ quartet, ‘Take a pair of sparkling eyes’ and ‘Dance a Cachucha’. The ensemble cast includes ENO Harewood Artist William Morgan (The Magic Flute 2019), former Scottish Opera Emerging Artists Mark Nathan (Opera Highlights 2019), Charlie Drummond (Hansel and Gretel 2021), Ben McAteer (The Mikado 2016), Sioned Gwen Davies (Falstaff 2021) and Arthur Bruce (L’elisir d’amore 2021) as well as G&S favourites Yvonne Howard and Richard Suart (The Mikado 2016).
Also in the cast is 2021/22 Emerging Artist Catriona Hewitson (L’elisir d’amore 2021), along with Dan Shelvey, who will appear in this year's Opera Highlights.
Director Stuart Maunder said ‘After a glorious tour of Scotland we’re finally back in London, ready, willing and champing at the bit to deliver these great pieces to a whole new audience. The Gondoliers is a brilliant romp, with glorious music, a sumptuous design and a cast to die for. The G&S phenomenon has been part of the basic language of performing in the English speaking world for more than 150 years and The Gondoliers fusion of infectious melody, topsy-turvy wit and heartfelt sentiment is a combination that never ages – indeed, perhaps it’s something we need now more than ever.’
Conductor and Scottish Opera’s Head of Music, Derek Clark, said: ‘The Gondoliers is like a breath of Italian summer air. Gilbert’s witty book and lyrics show him at the top of his game and Sullivan, inspired by the Venetian setting, produced his sunniest score, with one lilting melody after another – all guaranteed to make you leave the theatre with a smile on your face. It’s pure joy from start to finish.’
Find out more about The Gondoliers and buy tickets here
More information on Utopia, Limited and tickets are available here.
The Gondoliers Press
‘A bona fide great night out’ The Times ★★★★
‘Gleeful and deliciously frivolous’ The Stage ★★★★
‘There are no weak links in this cast and the production’s triumph is as an ensemble piece, where no-one puts a foot wrong.’ The Herald ★★★★
‘The orchestra and chorus, under conductor Derek Clark’s no-nonsense direction, are colourful and responsive.’ The Scotsman ★★★★
Utopia, Limited Press
‘Joyful’ The Scotsman ★★★★
‘A rare chance to discover a wonderful score sung and delivered with panache.’ Bachtrack ★★★★