Trial By Jury & The Zoo - English National Opera

Trial By Jury & The Zoo - English National Opera description

Two dazzlingly good experiences in one – it's Trial by Jury and The Zoo at the London Coliseum.

Described as wildly entertaining, Trial by Jury & The Zoo brings Gilbert & Sullivan into the limelight, showcasing Sullivan's early work. Together they form the prequel and sequel of the same story, a unique experience involving two perfectly-matched comic operettas. Both are only performed rarely, so it's a treat to see these witty, extremely funny productions packed with surprises and plot twists, one after the other.

The story? As we all know, the path of true love is hardly ever smooth. In Sullivan's The Zoo we're introduced to a young couple who, despite their hidden identities, secret marriages and complex mix-ups, manage to get engaged. The second opera, Trial by Jury, takes place during a TV programme where one half of the couple, Edwin, is sued for breach of promise. Chaos ensues as the absurd plot unfolds then rumbles on to its twisty-turny conclusion, a masterpiece in social satire stuffed with beautiful melodies.

Including words by Bolton Rowe, this brand new production is performed for the first time at ENO, directed by Gilbert & Sullivan expert and opera icon John Savournin. The Olivier-winning Peter Whelan conducts both operettas, led by veteran G&S singers Mary Bevan and Robert Murray as Angelina and Edwin. Neal Davies (HMS Pinafore) sings The Learned Judge, with ex-Harewood artist Madeleine Shaw as Eliza Smith and Harewood artist Alaric Green as the Usher. The fun is sung in English, with projected surtitles above the stage.

Buy Trial by Jury and The Zoo tickets for a hilarious night of fun and music written by the nation's best-loved comic opera heroes, a gorgeous introduction to comic operettas.

Playing at London Coliseum

St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB (venue info)

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