Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers
As the nights draw in, what better cosy evening viewing than a sumptuous production of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s finest and sunniest operas? With more ‘tra-la-las’ than almost any other opera, Sullivan’s most beguiling of tunes and Gilbert’s trademark wit, The Gondoliers is a joy from start to finish. Set across Venice and a Mediterranean island, this classic story of babies switched at birth is a charming poke at the appeals and pitfalls of rulership and privilege – and its satirising of Republicanism feels as fresh today as ever. Colourful costumes and boisterous choreography make it a feast for the eyes as well as the ears, and the opera features infectious numbers like ‘Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes’ and ‘Dance a Cachucha’. This 2021 production by Scottish Opera was directed by Stuart Maunder, in association with the D’oyly Carte Opera and State Opera South Australia.
Available now on iplayer