Eastleigh Operatic & Musicals Society [EOMS] 
Plaza Theatre, Romsey 
Georgia Rose
20 November 2025
EOMS return to the world of Gilbert & Sullivan with this 1882 comic opera, first brought to life on the stage of the Savoy Theatre on 25 November 1882. Almost 143 years to the day, this production honours the wit, whimsy, and sheer ridiculousness that made the original such a hit.
I went into this production completely blind. I knew a lot of the songs, but had absolutely no idea this is where they originally came from, and honestly, the whole thing is mental in the best possible way. If you don’t know Iolanthe, well… buckle up.
This wasn’t your standard Gilbert & Sullivan. This was Gilbert meets Sullivan somewhere between Moulin Rouge and Vaudeville. A riot of classic British silliness blended with feisty fairies, lusty lovers, pompous peers, glitter, and pure theatrical chaos. The directors, David Tatnall and Martin Paterson (MD), have completely reimagined the tale, sprinkling in tunes from Old Time Music Hall and the Bohemian Revolution. Throw in some gender-bending characters, big choreography, and full-on comedy madness, and you’ve got a production like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
The audience participation added a fun element and made the evening feel more immersive, while the 5-piece live band brought a lovely richness to the performance. They didn’t just accompany the cast; they shaped the whole atmosphere. Their playing had a warmth that suited the performance perfectly, and the musical transitions were tight, lively, and full of personality.
The comedic characters really carried the spirit of the show – exaggerated, playful, sometimes completely ridiculous, but always delivered with commitment. They added a steady stream of light humour that kept everything buoyant without tipping into over-the-top territory.
Mad, joyful, clever, chaotic, and completely unforgettable. Whether you’re a Gilbert & Sullivan fan or going in blind like I did, this version of Iolanthe is guaranteed to surprise you, make you laugh, and leave you walking out thinking, “What just happened?!”.
Iolanthe is playing at the Plaza Theatre in Romsey until Saturday 22 November.
