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30/05/2026

🎭 1940 → 2026

For the first time in decades, THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER returns to the UK stage.

The last major London production opened in 1940 at the original Shaftesbury Theatre a building later destroyed during the Blitz in 1941. Despite the operetta’s enormous popularity in the early 20th century, the work suddenly disappeared from British stages.

Now, more than 80 years later, Opera della Luna brings Oscar Straus’ witty and sophisticated operetta back to London audiences.

Based on George Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man, THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER combines romance, satire and glorious music with a hero unlike any other soldier who carries chocolates instead of bullets.

And there could hardly be a more fitting home for its return than Wilton’s Music Hall, one of London’s oldest and most atmospheric theatres.

✨ A forgotten classic returns.

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

26/05/2026

🎭 Why Shaw Still Matters

More than 130 years after it was written, Arms and the Man still feels surprisingly modern.

When George Bernard Shaw first staged the play in 1894, he set out to challenge romantic ideas about war, heroism and love. Instead of presenting noble soldiers and glorious battlefield victories, Shaw gave audiences something quite different: a practical soldier who survives through intelligence and common sense rather than bravery and spectacle.

Bluntschli , the “Chocolate Soldier” himself carries chocolates instead of bullets, exposing just how absurd romantic ideas of heroism can be.

But Shaw’s satire goes far beyond war. The characters in Arms and the Man are constantly performing versions of themselves: romantic heroes, noble ladies, fearless soldiers. Beneath the surface, however, reality is often far less glamorous. That tension between illusion and truth is exactly what continues to make the play feel so relevant today.

George Orwell greatly admired the play, describing it as “probably the wittiest play ever wrote.” Orwell believed the story remained powerful because every generation continues to romanticise warfare and heroism. Reflecting on the play during the Second World War, he wrote that Shaw was showing that war is “not glorious, not romantic.”

And perhaps that is why audiences still connect with Shaw’s world, because human nature hasn’t changed very much at all.

✨ Experience Shaw’s witty and sophisticated satire in
THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

15/05/2026

🎭 INTRODUCING THE CAST – Bluntschli

We are delighted to introduce Guy Elliott as Bluntschli in THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER.

Guy is a London based tenor who studied at the Royal College of Music on a full scholarship. He has performed with many of the UK’s leading opera companies, including the Royal Opera and Glyndebourne, and has won prizes at both the Wigmore Hall International Song Competition and the Copenhagen Lied Duo Competition.

💬 We asked Guy: What makes THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER different from other operettas?

“In the UK, we love an underdog and The Chocolate Soldier presents us with just that: Private Bluntschli. More a lover and a snacker than a fighter, Bluntschli carries chocolates on the battlefield instead of bullets. Not your typical opera hero.

One could also describe Oscar Straus, the composer, as an underdog. Once a rival to Franz Lehár, his work has largely fallen out of fashion. This is the first UK production of The Chocolate Soldier since 1940.”

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London

📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

08/05/2026

🎭 Only 7 weeks to go until THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER arrives at Wilton’s Music Hall!

Have you booked your tickets yet? 🎟️
If not, now is the time. Performances are already selling fast.

This witty and sophisticated operetta by Oscar Straus, based on Shaw’s Arms and the Man, returns to the London stage for the first time in many years in an Opera della Luna production.

✨ Romance, satire, beautiful music and a hero who would rather carry chocolate than bullets.

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

03/05/2026

🎭 Designing THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER

Director Jeff Clarke describes the process of creating a new production as a search for the right visual world in which to tell the story.

For THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER, that journey began with exploring ideas before arriving at a distinctive look, now being developed in collaboration with designer Elroy Ashmore.

Set in early 1900s Bulgaria, the design takes inspiration from traditional houses with rooms surrounded by windows an idea that evolves across the three acts, from a single balcony window in Raina’s bedroom to a more open, layered space.

Rather than aiming for strict realism, the production embraces a more stylised approach, with furniture and interiors treated in a refined, almost drawn, black-and-white aesthetic.

Even the sky plays a key role. Inspired by an artwork seen in Toronto, its bold, starburst effect has influenced the backdrop, creating a striking and theatrical visual world.

✨ A first glimpse behind the scenes.

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

24/04/2026

🎭 INTRODUCING THE CAST – Kasimir Petkoff

We are delighted to introduce Paul Featherstone as Kasimir Petkoff in THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER.

Paul began his career as an actor before moving into opera, and has since performed with companies including Scottish Opera, Wexford Festival Opera, Grange Park Opera, Garsington Opera, Opera Holland Park, The Opera Group, Paris Châtelet and Barcelona Liceu.

He is a regular with Opera della Luna, having appeared in productions such as The Tales of Hoffmann, Orpheus in the Underworld, Candide, La belle Hélène, Croquefer, The Isle of Tulipatan, Les deux aveugles, Cox & Box, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Parson’s Pirates and Sweeney Todd.

💬 We asked Paul: How do you prepare for the role?

“I’d already seen both the play and the operetta on stage, so I was familiar with the piece. I’ve gone back to the play again and listened to a recording of the operetta. It’s always interesting to return to a work and discover new ideas as you begin to explore it in more detail.”

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

18/04/2026

🎭 Raina Through the Years

For over a century, the role of Raina in Arms and the Man has been performed by some of the most celebrated actresses of stage and screen.

Mrs Patrick Campbell played Raina at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 1919, helping to establish the role on the London stage.

Peggy Ashcroft performed the role on BBC radio in 1939, bringing Shaw’s heroine to a wider audience.

In 1944, Margaret Leighton took on the role alongside Ralph Richardson and Laurence Olivier, followed by Diane Cilento in 1953, performing opposite Alec Clunes and, coincidentally, a Sergius named Robin Bailey… OUR Sergius is also called Robin Bailey!!

Diana Wynyard, one of Britain’s leading actresses of the 1930s, brought elegance and emotional depth to the role on both stage and screen.

Anna Calder-Marshall played Raina in a 1971 television adaptation, offering a thoughtful and modern interpretation of Shaw’s heroine.

Louise Jameson, well known for her extensive theatre work, performed the role at Bristol Old Vic, bringing out Raina’s wit and independence.

And finally, Helena Bonham Carter, one of the most recognisable actresses of our time, also took on the role, introducing Raina to a new generation of audiences.

Each actress has revealed a different side of the character, from romantic dreamer to perceptive observer of the world around her.

Witty, idealistic, and quietly transformative, Raina remains one of Shaw’s most fascinating creations.

✨ See Raina brought to life once again in THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

11/04/2026

🎭 Cast Update

There has been a change to the cast of THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER.

Martha Jones has asked to be released from her contract in order to join the cast of a new opera at the prestigious Munich Staatsoper. We wish her every success.

We are pleased to announce that Felicity Buckland will now be performing the role of Louka.

We’re delighted to welcome Felicity to Opera della Luna.

Felicity trained at the RNCM and on ENO’s Opera Works programme. Her recent appearances include a return to ENO as Mary Livingstone in Mary Queen of Scots, as well as principal roles in Phelim McDermott’s acclaimed productions of Philip Glass’s Satyagraha and Akhnaten. She has also appeared in Gianni Schicchi (OperaUpClose UK tour), The Marriage of Figaro (Opera Project/Tobacco Factory), and performed the lead role of Yamina in the UK premiere and recording of Augusta Holmès’ La Montagne Noire.

She is also in demand as a concert soloist, with appearances at the BBC Proms, Royal Festival Hall, and with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

💬 We asked Felicity: What are you most looking forward to about this production?

“I have worked with most of the cast in previous productions, and I know they are all amazingly talented artists and brilliant colleagues. Together, I hope we’ll create something fantastic and have lots of fun doing it!”

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

01/04/2026

🎟️ Tickets are selling fast for THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER

We’re delighted to see strong demand for our upcoming run at Wilton’s Music Hall one of London’s most atmospheric and historic venues.

With its rich character and intimate setting, Wilton’s is the perfect home for this witty and sophisticated operetta by Oscar Straus, based on Shaw’s Arms and the Man. Full of charm, humour and beautiful music, THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER offers a fresh and entertaining take on love, war and illusion.

If you’re planning to join us, we recommend booking soon, availability is already limited for some performances.

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

26/03/2026

🎭 INTRODUCING THE CAST – Catherine

Swipe to see the original actress who first brought Catherine (then known as Aurelia) to life in THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER, and meet the contralto taking up the role today.

In the original 1910 London production, the role of Aurelia was performed by Amy Augarde, a well-known Edwardian musical comedy performer who appeared regularly on the West End stage.

We are delighted to introduce Kristin Finnigan as Catherine.
Originally from Liverpool, Kristin trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Trinity College of Music. A passionate performer of operetta and Gilbert & Sullivan, she has sung many of the great contralto roles and is thrilled to be working again with Opera della Luna this time with Straus.

Kristin was part of the 2022 cast of THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER and is delighted to return to both the production and the wonderful Wilton’s Music Hall.

Now, Catherine finds a new voice on stage

💬 We asked Kristin: How do you prepare for this role?

“I love the role of Catherine (Aurelia). She isn’t your normal ‘mother’ role, she has a childish, excitable nature. She likes to give off an air of propriety, but with her husband away and the men at war, the sight of the handsome Bumerli brings out her flirtatious side. I’m having such fun preparing the role. As a contralto, I’ve been playing mothers and grandmothers since my 20s, now as a mum of two, the sideways glances and disapproving looks come much more naturally!”

📍 Wilton’s Music Hall, London
📅 23–27 June
🎟️ Book now – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-chocolate-soldier/

Address

Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane
Salisbury
SP2 7RA

Website

http://www.operadellaluna.org/

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