BIOLANTHE is Fraser Grant’s new adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Iolanthe: The Peer and the Peri”. The original savoy opera follows the plight of a group of fairies as they are mocked and ridiculed by a crowd of peers of the realm. In revenge they send half-fairy Strephon, the child of the fairy Iolanthe and a mortal, into Parliament to wreak havoc by ensuring all fairy laws are passed. This adaptation adds a modern, environmentalist twist to the story, with eco-warrior pixies battling against self important politicians and the corrupt media in a fight to save the planet.
This eco-opera updates the original production's lyrics and script, bringing 21st century comedy to the iconic score whilst maintaining Gilbert and Sullivan's hilarious political satire. Using all-recycled costume, set and props - BIOLANTHE serves as an ever-important reminder to protect the environment and stand up for what's right.
A Youngish Perspective: ⭐⭐⭐
The Quintessential Review: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Corr Blimey: ⭐⭐⭐
All Edinburgh Theatre: ⭐⭐⭐
A Youngish Perspective: ⭐⭐⭐ The Quintessential Review: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 Corr Blimey: ⭐⭐⭐ All Edinburgh Theatre: ⭐⭐⭐
Prod Team
Director - Hunter King
Producer - Amy Stinton
Producer / Production Manager - Tom Beazley
Musical Director - Falk Meier
Assistant Musical Director - Emily Paterson
Choreographer - Alix Burness
Writing Team
Writers - Fraser Grant, Rosalyn Harper
Lyricist - Lewis Eggeling
Cast
Phyllis - Hannah Whelan
Biolanthe - Anna Judelson
Strephon - Ewan Robertson
Celia - Amelia Brenan
Leila - Hannah-Rose Laverick
Greta - Megan Turner
Fairy Queen - Izzie Atkinson
Lord Tolloller - Jamie Argo
Lord Mountararat - Emmett Smith
Lord Chancellor - Thaddeus Buttrey
Reporter Willis - Mick Zijdel
Ensemble - Chloe Brandwin, Lewis Eggeling, Lucien Ngai
Crew
Lighting Designer - Freya White
Lighting Assistant - Moses Brzeski-Reilly
Set Designer - Azalea Drace
Set Assistant - Bee McDougall
Sound Designer - Martha Barrow
Sound Assistant - Cat Chapman
Costume Designers - Eloise Robertson, Millie Franchi
Costume Assistant - Eirlys Hunter
Make-up Artist: Juliet Gentle
Band
Keys - Falk Meier
Violin 1 - Martha Spence
Violin 1 - Marzia Golini
Violin 2 - Srishti Ramakrishnan
Violin 2 - Issy Ward
Viola - Robyn Surcombe (Tim Espin)
Cello - Alex Frost
Double Bass - Dickon Fell
Flute - Lauren Mooney
Oboe - Caterina Lue
Clarinet - Katie Rawson
Trumpet - James Smith
EUSOG Awards:
The Halberd (most enthusiastic cast member): Chloe Brandwin
The Hen (biggest slip-up on stage): Jamie Argo and Emmett Smith, for tipping Thaddeus off his chair in ‘Though P’r’haps I may incur your blame’
The Churn (the person who made the show the most enjoyable): Hunter King and Falk Meier
The Publicity Award (for most social media posts): Izzie Atkinson
The Shield (most helpful cast member): Lewis Eggeling
The Saloon Door (best EUSOG tech/backstage debut): Eloise Robertson and Millie Franchi