The Chocolate Soldier

Oscar Straus
Sung in English

Director Jeff Clarke
Conductor James Ham
Designer Elroy Ashmore
Lighting Design Callum Macdonald

New English book and lyrics: Jeff Clarke, based on George Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man
New Orchestral Arrangement: James Widden

“Sugar-coated frivolity”
★★★★★ The Stage

“Result: happiness”
The Spectator

We are thrilled to welcome back Jeff Clarke and the brilliant Opera della Luna, supremos of comic opera, for a brand-new production of The Chocolate Soldier by the Viennese master of cabaret, Oscar Straus. 

Oscar Straus’s 1908 opéra bouffe is closely based on George Bernard Shaw’s classic anti-war play Arms and the Man. Shaw was very opposed to his play being turned into a piece of musical theatre and refused to have anything to do with it. The Chocolate Soldier soon became a worldwide success, earning far more in royalties than Shaw’s celebrated play ever did. 

Shaw’s work is now out of copyright, and Jeff Clarke has created a new version of the show, restoring much of Shaw’s witty dialogue, and re-instating his original characters. This will be the first fully-staged professional production in the UK since 1940, full of charm, wit and warmth - delivered with Opera della Luna’s signature sparkle and inventiveness.

Explore a hidden garden before the curtain rises…

As a ticket holder for The Chocolate Soldier, you will also have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy an afternoon stroll around the stunning NGS gardens at Duck Pond Barn next door to Church Farm. By kind permission of owners, Marc and Janet Berlin, guests can now arrive early and explore these beautiful grounds ahead of the evening performances.

Find out more & Register Here