Synopsis
Click each act to dive into full synopsis.
Cambridge University Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents
Iolanthe
At the Minack Theatre
14 - 18 September 2026
Digital programme edition. Scroll through each spread as a guided journey: lore, music, artists, and the people building this production.
Welcome
Welcome to our Minack run of Iolanthe, where fairy law collides with parliamentary logic. This programme is designed like an illuminated path: one part woodland chronicle, one part renaissance folio.
Follow the journey from synopsis to score highlights, then meet cast, band, and production crew through expandable headshot cards.
Selected Musical Numbers
- "Tripping Hither"Fairy Chorus
- "Good Morrow, Good Mother"Strephon, Iolanthe
- "When I Went to the Bar"Lord Chancellor
- "If You Go In"Ensemble
- "When Britain Really Ruled the Waves"Trio and Chorus
- "Fold Your Flapping Wings"Finale
Cast
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Band
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Production Crew
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Director's Note
We approached Iolanthe as both fairy fable and political miniature painting. Design pulls from renaissance tapestry margins, weathered manuscripts, and Cornish cliff-garden color. Movement language favors swaying, circular patterns over rigid symmetry.
When final illustrated assets arrive, this programme will swap placeholders for hand-drawn vines and floral frames while keeping all interactions and layout behavior.
Acknowledgements
- Minack Theatre team and front-of-house staff.
- CUGSS alumni supporters and mentors.
- Design, workshop, wardrobe, and technical volunteers.
- Audience members returning to support student operetta.
Visit Information
- Mon 14 Sept Opening Night - 7:30 PM
- Tue 15 Sept Evening Performance - 7:30 PM
- Wed 16 Sept Matinee (2:30 PM) + Evening (7:30 PM)
- Thu 17 Sept Evening Performance - 7:30 PM
- Fri 18 Sept Final Night - 7:30 PM