SOMERSET Opera has confirmed the dates and venues for its upcoming tour in towns across the county. 

The opera will present Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers, which its says possesses “perhaps the most sparkling and tuneful music of them all with many well loved songs”. 

Venues include Taunton School, the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster and the Regal Theatre in Minehead. 

A Somerset Opera spokesperson said: “I am so looking forward to touring in The Gondoliers this Spring!

“We have such fun performing this outrageous story and singing the superb music and we can't wait to share our production with audiences across the south west.”

What can audiences expect?

In a flight of the satirical whimsy so characteristic of Gilbert & Sullivan, two jolly gondoliers discover that one of them is, in fact, heir to the throne of a far-flung kingdom.

Honouring their (adopted) republican roots, they journey together to rule in an idealistic, if slightly haphazard, way.

Charmingly directed by Ros Broad, formerly a principal soprano with the D’Oyly Carte Opera for many years, and under the assured musical direction of Sam Baker, the cast of dynamic soloists and enthusiastic full chorus cannot wait to share this absurd tale of mistaken identity, swapped babies and secret love with audiences across Somerset.

The Gondoliers bubbles with good fun and toe-tapping tunes - join us for an evening of music and laughter!

A cast member said: “I can't wait to be in Somerset Opera's production of The Gondoliers!

“It's such a sparkling and hilarious show with brilliant tunes and it's been great to rehearse with a lovely group of people.

“This will be my second show with Somerset Opera and I really love touring around the county- no two venues are the same!

“It's been a joy to be involved and I can't wait to share our work with audiences in March.”

Somerset Opera's tour dates for March and April 2023 

  • March 16: Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster: thewarehousetheatre.org.uk
  • March 16: Regal Theatre, Minehead: regaltheatre.co.uk 
  • March 18: Bishops Lydeard Village Hall: call 07554440121 or email c.balston@btinternet.com
  • March 23: Stogumber Village Hall, Central Stores Stogumber: email petercaptainino@gmail.com
  • March 24: Stogursey Village Hall
  • March 25: Victoria Rooms, Milverton: email- sueknowles14@btinternet.com or call 01823 400609
  • March 31: Edington Village Hall: call Lynne Fry 01278 722408 or 07850 957615
  • April 1: Taunton School: www.ticketsource.co.uk/somersetoperagroup/t-pqmgzvo