A regular performer with Opera Holland Park, most recently in the roles of Leporello (Don Giovanni), Horn (Un ballo in maschera) and Santé (Il segreto di Susanna), John Savournin’s recent directing credits include Trial by Jury for Opera North.

Richard Burkhard will sing the role of Major-General Stanley, with Yvonne Howard as Ruth, Peter Kirk as Frederic, Daisy Brown as Mabel, and John Savournin as the Pirate King.

Commenting on the collaboration, James Clutton, Opera Holland Park’s Director of Opera, said “I have always been a huge fan of Charles Court Opera, their inventive work and their obvious love and respect for Gilbert and Sullivan. It is a real pleasure to welcome them to Opera Holland Park.”

Savournin, Artistic Director of Charles Court Opera, said “I am absolutely delighted that CCO is collaborating with Opera Holland Park. This is a great opportunity to create a production alongside a company which I have always enjoyed working with, and long admired for its consistent artistic excellence, open-minded approach and inclusivity.”

Trevor Eliot Bowes (Sergeant of Police), Alys Roberts (Edith) and Sophie Dicks (Kate) lead the supporting cast in the first Gilbert and Sullivan operetta to be performed at Opera Holland Park for twenty years. The Pirates of Penzance will be conducted by David Eaton, with designs by Rachael Szmukler.

Performances of The Pirates of Penzance run from 4 – 8 August 2020. Opera Holland Park’s 2020 summer season opens on 2 June and includes performances of Rigoletto, Eugene Onegin, The Merry Widow, a double bill of Margot la Rouge and Le Villi. 

General booking for all productions opens on Wednesday 26 February 2020 at 10am.