The Gondoliers was one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s instant successes running for over 500 performances when it opened in 1889; it is still one of their most popular and frequently performed comic operas. The score is wonderful and the plot is ludicrously nonsensical in true G & S style.

The Royal Borough Youth Opera production is fresh and full of energy. The political references have been updated but stay true to Gilbert’s witty satirical couplets and Sullivan’s beautiful dance music is taken full advantage of with tarantella, cachucha and gavotte. You will know and love the music: the Italianate opening as the gondoliers seduce the contadine with their serenading; the clever quartets and quintets and the beautiful ballad Take a pair of Sparkling Eyes. Look out for a brand new extended orchestration of The Cachucha which allows the company to really enjoy themselves. We hope you will enjoy it too.