Government corruption, media intrusion, wholesale privatisation, royal scandals, rampant personal debt – welcome to Utopia Limited.
Ruthlessly lampooning cultural imperialism and Victorian values, Gilbert and Sullivan's last great political satire follows the laid-back inhabitants of a seemingly idyllic South Sea island as they willingly undergo Anglicisation. But a government of English technocrats soon provokes rioting in the streets.....
The Centenary Company returns to Greenwich Theatre for a seventh year to present this unnervingly prescient musical comedy. It's sure to bring a smile to your stiff upper lip!
Directed by Jerry Pinel, with Elinor Corp as Music Director, this is the same creative team responsible for the Company’s inventive stagings of Gilbert and Sullivan operas at Greenwich.
“A truly memorable show … director Jerry Pinel has great regard for the traditions of G&S but also real vision in bringing it to a modern audience.” National Operatic and Dramatic Association review of Ruddigore (2011)
“As fresh as a daisy [with] some hilarious touches … rarely has Greenwich Theatre been filled with such a rich sound … a cast imbued with charm and verve.” Bexley Times review of Patience (2010)
Formed in 1995, the Centenary Company is a Greenwich-based community group specialising in the shows of Gilbert and Sullivan. Following a long association with Blackheath Halls, the Company has presented annual productions at Greenwich Theatre since 2006. With a 30-strong cast and a 13-piece live orchestra, Utopia reunites the creative team – director Jerry Pinel and music director Elinor Corp – behind last year’s hit production of Ruddigore.