English National Opera revived Cal McCrystal's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera, with Mel Giedroyc making her ENO debut as the Cabin Boy.
English National Opera revived Cal McCrystal’s HMS Pinafore at the London Coliseum in Covent Garden from Thursday 4 December 2025 to Saturday 7 February 2026. Neal Davies sang Sir Joseph Porter and John Savournin Captain Corcoran.
W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s comic opera opened at the Opera Comique on 25 May 1878. Its run was the second-longest of any musical theatre piece up to that time, and it was their first international success.
The action takes place on the quarter-deck of a Royal Navy ship at anchor off Portsmouth. A captain’s daughter, a humble sailor and the First Lord of the Admiralty are set against the class system. The piece mocks the rise of unqualified men to high office.
McCrystal’s production first played in 2021 and was nominated for an Olivier Award for set and costume design. This was its first revival, with designs by takis and choreography by Lizzi Gee, conducted by Matthew Kofi Waldren.
Henna Mun sang Josephine and Thomas Atkins Ralph Rackstraw, with Rhonda Browne as Buttercup. The comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc made her ENO debut as the Cabin Boy.