Trial By Jury & The Zoo

The course of true love never did run smooth. Especially in Sullivan’s The Zoo, where we meet a pair of young lovers who, despite hidden identities, secret marriages and mischievous mix-ups, manage to become engaged.

But the story doesn’t end there. In this hilarious pairing of the two operettas, we then head to the courtroom for Trial by Jury, where Angelina is suing former fiancé Edwin for breach of promise. Cue chaos, joyous absurdity and an unexpected twist – courtesy of a romantically-inclined judge.

Paired alongside Gilbert & Sullivan‘s Trial by Jury in a 2025 production from Scottish Opera is Sullivan’s The Zoo with words by Bolton Rowe in a new production performed for the first time at ENO. These two one-act operettas are directed by ENO favourite and G&S specialist John Savournin who brings his iconic flair and a 1980s vibe.

Although early works, the music of both pieces is already quintessential Sullivan – light, witty and melodically brilliant. Both librettos come with a healthy dose of the ridiculous spiced with a light sprinkling of social satire.