The Gondoliers is a comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, known for its lively and whimsical storyline. The plot follows two Venetian gondoliers who discover that one of them is the heir to the throne of Barataria. Chaos ensues as they navigate mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and political intrigue, all set to Sullivan's delightful melodies and Gilbert's witty lyrics.
learn moreThe journey of The Gondoliers to the stage was long and eventful. In March 2020, rehearsals were just about to begin when the pandemic struck, putting a halt to the production. After several attempts to revive the plans, the co-production with Scottish Opera, marking the third collaboration, finally came to life. These productions had been years in the planning, and the team was thrilled to bring them to audiences in Scotland and London.
Scottish Opera’s Head of Music, Derek Clarke, who conducted previous collaborations The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado, described The Gondoliers as "pure joy from start to finish," promising audiences a delightful experience full of Italian charm and uplifting melodies.
Stuart Maunder, known for his brilliant production of The Pirates of Penzance, directed The Gondoliers with a fresh and lively approach. His collaboration with designer Dick Bird, renowned for The Mikado, ensured a visually stunning and entertaining show that left audiences smiling.
The production featured a talented ensemble cast, including William Morgan, Ellie Laugharne, Ben McAteer, Sioned Gwen Davies, and D’Oyly Carte favorite Richard Suart. The team behind The Gondoliers was committed to delivering a performance that captured the essence of Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved opera.
Tickets had gone on sale in September prior to the performances. The productions were not to be missed!
Performances of our co-production of The Mikado, with Scottish Opera ended on 2nd July in Southampton. Across the Scottish venues and the English and Northern Irish venues the attendance figures far exceeded the attendance for our co-production of The Pirates of Penzance, in 2013. We are delighted with this improvement as it shows us that our audience approves of what we’re doing and that they are enjoying our collaboration with Scottish Opera as much as we are.
Gilbert's serendipitous encounter with a fallen Japanese sword and Sullivan's composition led to a stunning portrayal of the town of Titipu, resulting in an unbounded success acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.
Click below to learn more about Gilbert & Sullivan's masterpiece.
Our 2025 co-production with Scottish Opera and Opera Holland Park
Learn MoreThe 150th Anniversary co-production of Trial by Jury, in a double bill with a new commission, A Matter of Misconduct by Emma Jenkins and Toby Hession
Learn MoreIn 2025, we will collaborate with Scottish Opera for a fourth time. We are co-producing a brand new production of The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár and, to celebrate our sesquicentennial, a new production of Trial by Jury.
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