4.6star rating
from £119.90
Ratings & Reviews
British Theatre has covered HMS Pinafore in 4 articles since 2016.
From our critics
Tim Hochstrasser · 20 August 2022
REVIEW: HMS Pinafore, Opera Holland Park ✭✭✭✭✭
Tim Hochstrasser reviews Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore at Opera Holland Park.
Read the review →
Julian Eaves · 24 March 2022
REVIEW: All Male HMS Pinafore, Wilton's Music Hall ✭✭✭✭✭
Julian Eaves reviews Sasha Regan's All-Male HMS Pinafore at Wilton's Music Hall, London.
Read the review →
About the show
All aboard for Gilbert & Sullivan's hilarious nautical love triangle! Mel Giedroyc joins ENO's Olivier-nominated production directed by Cal McCrystal. Book HMS Pinafore tickets for this slapstick-filled comic opera at London Coliseum.
What is HMS Pinafore about?
Join Captain Corcoran and his daughter Josephine as she faces a battle between duty and love on the high seas. While her father makes plans for her to tie the knot with the suitably ranked First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter, Josephine has romantic ideas of her own. After falling for lowly deckhand Ralph Rackstraw, the loved-up pair make plans to elope. That is, until a surprise revelation rocks the boat!
With its fast pace, topical humour and quintessential Britishness, HMS Pinafore features some of the most popular operatic music in the world, you may recognise songs from TV shows like The Simpsons and The West Wing. Book HMS Pinafore tickets for Gilbert & Sullivan's hilarious nautical comedy at the London Coliseum!
Why should I book HMS Pinafore tickets at ENO?
Cal McCrystal's riotous production was nominated for an Olivier Award for Set and Costume Design following its 2021 premiere. This first revival features comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc (The Great British Bake Off) making her ENO debut in a non-singing role, lending her trademark comic timing to this "endlessly mischievous staging" (The Times).
The Spectator declared "This is how G&S should be staged" while The Stage called it "a touch of genius" and "enormous fun." With an elaborate revolving ship set by Olivier-nominated takis, this is Gilbert & Sullivan at their very best!
Is HMS Pinafore similar to other ENO productions?
Fans of Gilbert & Sullivan and comic opera may also enjoy other ENO productions at the London Coliseum including Così fan tutte.
Cast & Creatives
Full cast & creativesWho is in the HMS Pinafore cast?
Neal Davies stars as Sir Joseph Porter, with John Savournin as Captain Corcoran, Henna Mun and Eleanor Sanderson-Nash sharing the role of Josephine, Thomas Atkins as Ralph Rackstraw, Trevor Eliot Bowes as Dick Deadeye, Rhonda Browne as Buttercup, Bethan Langford as Hebe, Marcus Farnsworth as the Boatswain, and Alaric Green as the Carpenter. Mel Giedroyc appears as a guest star in a non-singing role. The cast is joined by the Chorus and Orchestra of ENO.
Who created this production of HMS Pinafore?
HMS Pinafore has music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W.S. Gilbert. This ENO production is conducted by Matthew Kofi Waldren and directed by Cal McCrystal. The creative team includes set and costume design by takis (Olivier Award nominee), lighting design by Tim Mitchell (revival lighting by Adrian Plaut), sound design by Dominic Bilkey, and choreography by Lizzi Gee with Associate Choreographer Spencer Darlaston-Jones.
What awards has HMS Pinafore received?
ENO's production of HMS Pinafore was nominated for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera (Set and Costume Design) following its 2021 premiere. The Times praised its "endlessly mischievous staging" while The Spectator declared "This is how G&S should be staged."
Frequently asked questions
What age is HMS Pinafore suitable for?
HMS Pinafore has an age guidance of 5+ and is perfect for families. Note that children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium. A Relaxed Performance is scheduled for Thursday 29 January 2026 at 2pm.
How long is HMS Pinafore?
HMS Pinafore runs approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including one 20-minute interval. Book tickets now – the production runs 4 December 2025 to 7 February 2026!
How do I get to London Coliseum?
London Coliseum is located on St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES. The nearest Underground stations are Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) and Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, District and Circle lines).
Theatre Policies
Photography and video recording are not permitted during performances. Mobile phones must be switched off before the opera begins.
Accessibility at London Coliseum
London Coliseum has an Access Scheme for audiences with a disability, a health condition, or different access needs. A Relaxed Performance is scheduled for Thursday 29 January 2026 at 2pm. Contact the box office on 020 7845 9300 when booking tickets for specific requirements.
Facilities
The venue features multiple bars and refreshment facilities. The opera is sung in English with surtitles projected above the stage. ENO offers Under 21s free tickets and Under 35s discounted tickets.
When is HMS Pinafore at ENO?
HMS Pinafore runs on selected dates from 4 December 2025 to 7 February 2026 at London Coliseum. Book tickets now!
Is Mel Giedroyc in HMS Pinafore?
Yes! Mel Giedroyc makes her ENO debut in a guest non-singing role, bringing her trademark comic timing to the production.
Is HMS Pinafore sung in English?
Yes, ENO performs all operas in English with surtitles projected above the stage.
Is there a Relaxed Performance?
Yes, a Relaxed Performance is scheduled for Thursday 29 January 2026 at 2pm, particularly benefiting those who might normally find it challenging to access theatre.
Venue
London Coliseum
St Martin's Lane, Charing Cross WC2N 4ES
Tube
Charing Cross, Leicester Square
Train
Charing Cross
Bus
3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176
Parking
Cavendish Square, Newport Place, Marble Arch and Park Lane, Poland Street, Rochester Row, Spring Gardens, Whitcomb Street (50% discount for ENO Patrons). Chinatown, Trafalgar (Q Park scheme)
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