Back to All Events

Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe

Opera Suffolk 2026

Charles Court Opera returns to Bury St Edmunds to present their enchanting production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s sharp satire of power, privilege, and parliamentary democracy.

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’, audiences can expect an evening of first class entertainment and riotous fun suitable for all ages.

Audiences can expect first class performances from a terrific young cast which includes an array of CCO favourites. Leading the cast is CCO stalwart Matthew Kellett (Lord Chancellor), who returns after his critically acclaimed performance as Bunthorne in Patience, for which he was nominated for a Fringe Award. He is joined by another company regular Meriel Cunningham (Fairy Queen), David Menezes (Tolloller), and a CCO comedic favourite Catrine Kirkman as Lady Mountararat, who was also nominated for a Fringe Award for her role as Lady Jane in Patience. The rest of the excellent young casting is announced as follows: Llio Evans (Phyllis), Matthew Palmer (Strephon/Willis), Eleanor O’Driscoll (Iolanthe), Sarah Prestwidge (Celia) and Martha Jones (Leila).

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

THEATRE ROYAL, BURY ST EDMUNDS

Tickets: From £12

Previous
Previous
19 September

Robbie Gladwell & Friends

Next
Next
19 September

John Barrowman: My Life in Musicals