In Iolanthe, Gilbert uses Fairies to make fun of how muddle-headed the members of the House of Peers (Lords) really are. He also introduces us to Strephon and Phyllis, shepherds who are in love, but they can’t marry yet since Phyllis is only 19 and still a ward of court controlled by the Lord Chancellor, a kindly old gentlemen whose wife died years ago. His wife was was the fairy Iolanthe, who is not dead but was banished for marrying a mortal. And Strephon is their son! All of this tangle works out to some of Sullivan’s loveliest music.

Iolanthe will be directed by Marian Shulman, with music direction by Nick Sienkiewicz.

There will be 4 performances, April 11, 12, 18 and 19. Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. Rehearsals will begin on January 28, 2026.

To sign up for an audition, fill out this form, and prepare one or two songs to sing for us. Bring sheet music for the accompanist.

Please note that these are unpaid positions.

 Iolanthe characters

Phyllis – soprano. A shepherdess in love with Strephon. The ward of the Lord Chancellor who does not approve of this relationship. Nominally 19 years old. A3-A5.

Strephon – baritone. A shepherd in love with Phyllis. The illicit love child of Iolanthe and The Lord Chancellor, so only half a fairy. Nominally 25 years old. G2-G4.

Iolanthe – mezzo-soprano. The previous favorite of the queen, banished for marrying a mortal, just forgiven and recalled from exile. Her act two aria can bring listeners to tears. C4-F#5

Fairy Queen – contralto. Magnificent, affectionate to her brood and a terror to all who oppose her! G3-Eb5.

Celia, Secondary soprano lead with a solo in the opening scene, lots of dialog, solo sung lines throughout the show and a second act song shared with Leila. B3-G5

Leila – Secondary mezzo lead with a solo in the opening scene, lots of dialog, solo sung lines throughout the show and a second act song shared with Celia. C4 -E5.

Fleta – Speaking part. A naïve young fairy who is smarter than she seems!

Lord Chancellor – bass-baritone. A powerful character who presides over the House of Peers and the Court of Chancery, but not quite as powerful as the Fairy Queen!  Phyllis is his ward, Iolanthe is his “deceased” wife, Strephon is his unknown son. G2-E4.

Lord Tololler –  Tenor. One of the leaders of the House of Peers. Both he and his friend Mountararat are infatuated with Phyllis. Great solo (Blue blood) and solo sections throughout D3-A4.

Lord Mountararat – Baritone. One of the leaders of the House of Peers. Both he and his friend Tololler are infatuated with Phyllis. Great solo (When Britain really rules the waves) and solo sections throughout. A2 – G#4.

Private Willis – Bass. First Grenadier Guards. Stands watch outside Parliament. D#2-D4. A solo and a bit more, all in Act 2.

Chorus of Fairies and Peers