IOLANTHE
bY gilbert & sullivan
wilton's music hall from 17th - 28th February 2026
★★★★ the stage
★★★★ broadway world
We're delighted to return to Wilton’s Music Hall in February with our enchanting production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s sharp satire of power, privilege and parliamentary democracy.
The production is directed by our Artistic Director, and renowned operetta specialist, John Savournin, whose recent productions include our recent five-star production of Patience, and The Merry Widow and Trial by Jury for Scottish Opera, Opera Holland Park and D’Oyly Carte.
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), William Morgan (Tolloller) after his success as Frederic in ENO’s Pirates last season, 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 our Artistic Director, and renowned operetta specialist, John Savournin, whose recent productions include our recent five-star production of Patience, and The Merry Widow and Trial by Jury for Scottish Opera, Opera Holland Park and D’Oyly Carte.
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), William Morgan (Tolloller) after his success as Frederic in ENO’s Pirates last season, 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).
production team
Director John Savournin
Designer Rachel Szmukler
Lighting Designer Ben Pickersgill
Revival Director James Hurley
Choreographer Merry Holden
Designer Rachel Szmukler
Lighting Designer Ben Pickersgill
Revival Director James Hurley
Choreographer Merry Holden
cast
Lord Chancellor Matthew Kellett
Queen of the Fairies Meriel Cunningham
Iolanthe Eleanor O'Driscoll
Phyllis Llio Evans
Strephon and Willis Matthew Palmer
Earl Tolloller William Morgan
Lady Mountararat(!) Catrine Kirkman
Celia Sarah Prestwidge
Leila Martha Jones
Production Photography Robert Workman
Queen of the Fairies Meriel Cunningham
Iolanthe Eleanor O'Driscoll
Phyllis Llio Evans
Strephon and Willis Matthew Palmer
Earl Tolloller William Morgan
Lady Mountararat(!) Catrine Kirkman
Celia Sarah Prestwidge
Leila Martha Jones
Production Photography Robert Workman
