Simon is writing and developing a full-length staged concert piece, commissioned by Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

SIGNOR KELLY’S SOUFFLÉ
Limited CD release in April of a recording of Andrew Nicklin’s opera, with a libretto by Simon

PLUM: HOMAGE TO HAPPINESS
A celebration of P G Wodehouse
An anniversary celebration with a cast including Stephen Fry, Stephen Mangan and Alexander Armstrong
Wilton’s Music Hall
May 20

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major General Stanley
Concert performance
Burgess Hill
June 21

HMS PINAFORE/Sir Joseph Porter
Concert performances
Sinfonia Smith Square
July 5
East Grinstead
July 6

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major General Stanley
National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, Buxton Opera House
August 2(m&e)/9(m)/13/16(m)

IOLANTHE/Lord Chancellor
National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, Buxton Opera House
August 3(m&e)/10/13(m)/16

ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD/Jupiter
IF Opera
Simon directs and sings Jupiter in this new production of Offenbach’s operetta
August 8/12/15

IOLANTHE/Lord Chancellor and THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major General Stanley
NGSOC
Malvern Theatres, September 4-6

SEE HOW THEY RUN/The Bishop of Lax
Simon appears in Philip King’s classic 1940s farce
Vienna’s English Theatre
November 4th – December 22nd


He currently appears in sixteen complete Gilbert and Sullivan operas on gsopera.tv

JANUARY

SIMON’S COMEDY SONGBOOK,
NEW YEAR’S GALA
and
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major General Stanley
(concert performance)
Simon joins Rebecca Bottone and Sam Marston for a New Year’s weekend at W S Gilbert’s house
Grim’s Dyke
January 5-8


DER MIKADO
Simon directs The Mikado, spoken in German, sung in English
Passau Opera House
Landestheater Niederbayern, with the Niederbayerische Philharmonie
First performance March 9
With performances in repertoire until June


SIMON’S COMEDY SONGBOOK
Simon entertains on a cruise of the Mekong river, through Cambodia and Vietnam
RV Indochine II
April 19 – 30


TRIAL BY JURY/The Learned Judge
Gilbert and Sullivan Society Centenary Convention
Grim’s Dyke
May 26


THE BEST OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN
Simon directs and narrates this staged concert, with NGSOC soloists
Salisbury International Arts Festival
Salisbury Playhouse
May 30 (m&e)


THE SEA AND SHIPS
London Song Festival
June 21
SEE HERE FOR DETAILS


THE GONDOLIERS/Duke of Plaza Toro
Simon also directs this new production for The National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Buxton Opera House
July 27(m&e), August 7(m&e), 10


THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major General Stanley
Simon also directs this revival of his five star 2023 production for NGSOC at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Buxton Opera House
July 28(m&e), August 3, 4(m), 9(m)


HMS PINAFORE/Sir Joseph Porter
Buxton Opera House
July 31(m&e), August 4, 10(m)


THE BEST OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN
Simon directs and narrates this third programme of the sell-out staged concert, with NGSOC soloists and the National Festival Orchestra
Buxton Opera House
August 3(m), 9


SIMON’S COMEDY SONGBOOK
As part of the 30th International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Chatsworth House Theatre
August 6


DIE FLEDERMAUS/Dr Blind/Narrator
Simon directs and narrates, in character, this semi-staged production
IF Opera, Belcombe Court
August 24, 28, 30
IF Opera


THE GONDOLIERS/Duke of Plaza Toro
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major General Stanley
HMS PINAFORE/Sir Joseph Porter
Malvern Theatres
w/c September 4

JANUARY

JACK SHEPPARD/Blueskin/Jonathan Wild
Retrospect Opera recording for CD of George Rodwell’s 1839 operatic melodrama
January

SIMON’S COMEDY SONGBOOK
For the Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Conway Hall, London
March 26

DOCTORS/St John Montclair
Simon films an episode of the BBC series
April/May

PRINCESS IDA/King Gama
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment/John Wilson
Simon also writes and performs a dramatized narration and directs the semi-staging.
Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre
June 7, 8 at 7pm

TAKING IT UP THE OCTAVE/James
Simon plays James, the neurotic tenor, in the sitcom about a disaster-prone opera company.
BBC Radio 4 Extra
July/August on BBC Sounds

TRIAL BY JURY and other Gilbert and Sullivan highlights
Simon sings The Learned Judge and selected patter songs
King’s Lynn Festival
July 23, 4pm

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD/Jack Point
Simon also directs this new production
National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company
Buxton Opera House
July 30,
August 5(m&e), 9, 12(m)

Also at Malvern Theatres September 8

THE MIKADO/Ko-Ko
National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company
Buxton Opera House
July 29, 30 August 6(m&e), 9(m), 11

Also at Malvern Theatres September 7(m&e)

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major-General Stanley
National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company
Simon also directs this new production
Buxton Opera House
August 2(m&e), 11(m), 12

Also at Malvern Theatres September 9(m&e)

BEST OF G&S
With NGSOC soloists and the National Festival Orchestra
Simon also narrates with historical context and anecdotes
Buxton Opera House
August 4

THE SPHINX
Simon reads Oscar Wilde at premiere of Granville Bantock’s setting of Wilde’s The Sphinx
London Song Festival
August 18

THE BEST OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN
National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company
Guernsey
October 3

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company
Concert performances
Guernsey
October 4,5

HARVEY/Dr William Chumley
Simon appears in the classic American comedy by Mary Chase
Vienna’s English Theatre/Main House
November 3 – December 22

DOCTORS/St John Montclair
Simon makes a guest appearance in the popular BBC1 daytime soap
November 29

JANUARY

THE BEST OF G&S
Staged National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company concert for which Simon also writes the linking script.
Harrogate Royal Hall, January 7

LA BOHEME/Benoit and Alcindoro
Revival of Jonathan Miller’s classic production
English National Opera, London Coliseum
January 31, February 2,4,5(m),10,12(m&e),19(m&e),23,25,27(m&e)

DAILY PROFUNDIS
Simon reads Oscar Wilde's DE PROFUNDIS in fifteen daily instalments. It is then available to listen to in its five hour entirety!
Salisbury Festival
May/June

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION Carter/Dr. Wyatt
County Hall, London
Witness for the Prosecution
Simon joins the cast of this celebrated production from March 29th to September 25th

A GARRICK TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Simon sings Sondheim with Julia McKenzie, Janie Dee, Jenna Russell and fellow Garrick Club members Hal Cazalet, Michael Mates and Bruce Graham, accompanied by William Godfree
St Paul’s Covent Garden
May 9

LA BOHEME Benoit/Alcindoro
English National Opera
Fairfield Halls, Croydon
August 21

THE BEST OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN
Simon sings the patter roles and presents this concert with the National Gilbert and Sullivan Company
Guernsey, October 13

LADY IN THE DARK/Russell Paxton
Simon sings the Danny Kaye role in a new production of this rarely revived 1941 Broadway opera by Kurt Weill, Ira Gershwin and Moss Hart
Opera Zuid (Netherlands)/Theatre de la Ville, Luxembourg co-production
Performances in the Netherlands and Luxembourg
November 12,15,17,22,24,26,29
December 1,6,8,11

MAY

DAILY PROFUNDIS
Simon reads Oscar Wilde’s DE PROFUNDIS complete, streamed in fifteen daily episodes throughout the festival, then as a complete download
Brighton Festival,
May 1-15 at 9pm, then available complete for three months

MAKING MASSINGER
A 17th Century Salisbury Scandal
by Simon Butteriss
Simon's new full-length play, commissioned by Wiltshire Creative, will be recorded with a cast including Samuel Barnett, Edward Bennett, Hubert Burton, Julia Hills, Jane How and Nina Wadia and streamed on Wiltshire Creative's digital platform.
May 27 premiere, then available until August 27

In a world where heresy is certain death and Art relies on aristocratic whim, blackmail, political intrigue and sexual assault thrive: in 17th century Salisbury, the young playwright Philip Massinger, uncovering the horrible truth about his father’s death, finds that both the young Earl of Pembroke and the voracious dowager Countess want much more than plays in return for their patronage. Fleeing to London to wreak revenge with his writing, Massinger plunges into a hurly-burly where lovers and friends seem to be every bit as treacherous as enemies.
Philip Massinger’s own plays precariously balanced elegant comedy with revenge tragedy. MAKING MASSINGER imagines that his life did, too.

IOLANTHE/Lord Chancellor
A complete recording of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera, streamed by Charles Court Opera and The King’s Head Theatre

THE MIKADO/Ko-Ko
Simon directs and plays Ko-Ko in a new production for the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 1 (m&e), 4(e) Buxton Opera House
August 8, 14, 17 Harrogate Royal Hall

PATIENCE/Bunthorne
Simon directs and plays Bunthorne in a new production for the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 3, 4(m) Buxton Opera House
August 9, 14(m), 18(m) Harrogate Royal Hall

HMS PINAFORE/Sir Joseph Porter
Simon plays Sir Joseph in a new production for the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
July 31, August 6 Buxton Opera House
August 8 (m), 12, 15, 18 Harrogate Royal Hall

THE DIARY OF A NOBODY/Charles Pooter
Simon's one-man adaptation of George and Weedon Grossmith’s best selling novel premieres at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 6 (m) Buxton Opera House
August 13 (m) Harrogate Royal Hall

THE BEST OF G&S
Staged National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company concert for which Simon also writes the linking script.
Malvern Theatres, September 11 (m&e)

SUMMER LIGHTNING
Simon reads excerpts from the P G Wodehouse novel
StoryTown Festival
The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham
October 14 (7pm); also streamed

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Major General Stanley
Semi-staged performances with a cast including Rosemary Ashe
Kentish Opera at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks
October 28,29,30

SIMON'S COMEDY SONGBOOK
Cruise of the Douro, November 9-16

SIMON'S COMEDY SONGBOOK
Cruise of the Danube, December 8-15

Simon's play, MAKING MASSINGER has been nominated for an Off West End Award and has received five star reviews. Simon’s recording of Charles Dibdin’s THE WAGS was released in September and CCO’s recording of IOLANTHE, in which he sings Lord Chancellor, is also now available on CD or to download.

JANUARY

PLAYING IN THE DARK/Nightmare Song
Simon sings The Nightmare Song from Iolanthe with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in a programme of music and readings, recorded at the Barbican in November 2019.  With Neil Gaiman, David Tennant and Amanda Palmer (also broadcast 23 and 25 December 2019 on Radio 3 and 4)
BBC Radio 4, January 1

SIMON’S COMEDY SONGBOOK
Simon in cabaret
Harrogate January 5/London (with Jonathan Dove) January 19

FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT
Simon sings Lehar and Sullivan. Ailish Tynan also sings and Bramwell Tovey conducts the BBC Concert Orchestra
BBC Radio 2, January 17 at 8pm


FEBRUARY

Salisbury International Arts Festival preview
Simon talks about and sings from The Merry Widow
Trafalgar Park, Downton, Wiltshire
February 8

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major General Stanley
SIMON’S COMEDY SONGBOOK
Nile cruise, February 17-27


MARCH /APRIL

THE MAGIC FLUTE AND THE BROOMSTICK
Simon’s operatic play in limerick form, with music by Mozart and Humperdinck, plays fifty performances in schools in New Zealand
Opera New Zealand, throughout March and April


All events below in red were cancelled, in line with pandemic regulations.

Instead, during the year, Simon wrote libretti for two operas, VOLTAIRE’S AMPHIBIAN (currently being composed by Oscar-nominee Gary Yershon) and SIGNOR KELLY’S SOUFFLÉ (currently being composed by Andrew Nicklin); he curated THE SALISBURY PROJECT for Wiltshire Creative Connects; edited, with recording engineer Dave Rowell, Dibdin’s one-man entertainment THE WAGS, which he had recorded last year (for CD release, on Retrospect Opera’s label, in early 2021); he was commissioned to write the lyrics to a song for a City Guild, filmed several patter songs for CCO’s online output, gave a 75-minute live streamed interview for the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival and features prominently on the new G&S channel, gsopera.tv, including interviews, eleven complete operas and appearing twice (on 4th and 24th December) in the channel’s Advent Calendar of entertainments. As part of the Celebration of Aldeburgh Festivals, the 2017 broadcast of Britten’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, in which Simon sang Starveling, was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on June 20.


IOLANTHE/Lord Chancellor
Charles Court Opera
King’s Head Theatre, London, N1
28 performances, Tuesdays to Sundays
March 12 – April 11


MAY

THE MERRY WIDOW/Njegus
Simon directs and narrates, as Njegus, his Philharmonia version
Bath Festival, May 23,24
Salisbury Festival, May 25

MAKING MASSINGER
A 17th Century Salisbury Scandal
Rehearsed reading of Simon’s play, commissioned by Wiltshire Creative
London, May


JULY - SPETEMBER

PATIENCE/Bunthorne
Simon directs and plays Bunthorne in Gilbert and Sullivan’s aesthetic satire with the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival and on tour.
Buxton Opera House, August 3
Harrogate Royal Hall, August 15,19(m),22
Malvern Theatre, September 10

IN CONVERSATION
Simon chats about his life and career with Festival Director Neil Smith
Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, August 4, 10.30am

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Simon in concert at Chatsworth House’s private theatre
August 4

THE EMERALD ISLE/Professor Bunn
Simon sings the patter role in the rarely performed operetta by Basil Hood, Arthur Sullivan and Edward German with the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival.
Buxton Opera House, August 7
Harrogate Royal Hall, August 14

IOLANTHE/Lord Chancellor
Buxton Opera House, August 8(m)
Harrogate Royal Hall, August 12(m)

IN CONVERSATION
Simon chats about his life and career with Festival Director Neil Smith
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, Harrogate, August 23

JANUARY

TOSCA/Sacristan
Simon sings with his ENO Musetta, Nadine Benjamin
St James’s, Piccadilly
January 18, 7pm

MY FAIR LADY/Colonel Pickering
Workshop
National Theatre
January 22

LA BOHEME/Benoit/Alcindoro
English National Opera
London Coliseum
January 29

VICTOR HERBERT AND OPERETTA CONCERT
Simon presents and sings in this concert, recorded for RTE, conducted by Timothy Henty
RTE Concert Orchestra
National Concert Hall Dublin
January 30


FEBRUARY

LA BOHEME/Benoit/Alcindoro
English National Opera
London Coliseum
February 2, 7, 9 (6.30pm), 12, 14, 16 (3pm), 20, 22

Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Sussex
Simon is celebrity guest at their annual luncheon and after-luncheon guest speaker
February 3


MARCH

SHAKESPEARE’S GARLAND
Release of Retrospect Opera’s CD of Dibdin’s SHAKESPEARE’S JUBILEE and DATCHET MEAD.
Soraya Mafi, Heather Shipp, Robert Murray and Simon sing; Stephen Higgins conducts from the fortepiano.
www.retrospectopera.org.uk

G&S with OAE
Simon talks about and sings G&S, accompanied by Crispin Woodhead, CEO of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, prior to the OAE concert in April
Garrick Club
March 25


APRIL

IN TUNE
Simon and John Wilson talk about Gilbert and Sullivan
BBC Radio 3
April 16

TRIAL BY JURY/ The Learned Judge
With a programme of G&S excerpts, performed on period instruments
Conducted by John Wilson
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Queen Elizabeth Hall
April 18


MAY

OXFORD UNIVERSITY GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SOCIETY
Simon is guest of honour and after dinner speaker
St Hugh’s College, Oxford,
May 10

DIE FLEDERMAUS
Simon directs and sings Blind (as Narrator) in his Philharmonia version
Conducted by Oliver Gooch
Bath Festival
May 18,19

SIMON AND JONATHAN’S COMEDY SONGBOOK
Simon in concert with Jonathan Dove
Simon and Jonathan recreate their 1980s cabaret act with anecdotes and songs by Coward, Spoliansky, Sullivan, Novello, Offenbach, Lehar, Slade and others
Salisbury Festival
May 31
BOOK HERE


SUMMER

THE GONDOLIERS/Duke of Plaza-Toro
National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival and tour
Buxton Opera House, July 25,28
Darlington Hippodrome, August 1
Harrogate Royal Halls, August 7 (m+e), 18 (m)
Malvern Theatre, September 5,6

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
Simon talks about his life and career, with Festival Director Neil Smith
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Buxton, July 26 at 10.30 am
RUDDIGORE/Sir Despard/Sir Roderic
Charles Court Opera
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Hever Castle, August 8
Harrogate Royal Halls, August 16


AUTUMN

Performances during the Autumn include HMS PINAFORE/Sir Joseph Porter; THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE/Major General Stanley; Jonathan Dove’s THE BEAUTIFULL CASSANDRA (accompanied by the composer); THE DUTCH LADY/Stum (Shakespeare’s Globe/Read not Dead); a Brexit version of the Major General’s song, by Dmitry Grozoubinski (Today, BBC Radio 4; also featured on Pick of the Week); PLAYING IN THE DARK (BBCSO/Alexander Vedernikov/Barbican Hall, with Neil Gaiman, David Tennant, Amanda Palmer, November 12) and recording Dibdin’s THE WAGS.

JANUARY – MARCH

Gilbert and Sullivan concert
Simon sings excerpts from the patter roles
Garrick Club, London
January 12

Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment
Simon sings G&S at the OAE 18-19 season launch
January 25

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM/Starveling
Robert Carsen’s classic Aix-en-Provence production returns to ENO
English National Opera, London Coliseum
With performances on March 1,4,8,10,14, 15

MARCH - MAY

MOONFLEET/Father Glennie/Aldobrand
A new Music Theatre adaptation of J Meade Falkner’s classic novel, with book and lyrics by Gareth Machin and music by Russell Hepplewhite
Salisbury Playhouse
With performances from April 19 to May 5

THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS
Simon performs the Camus text in four parts, during the course of one day
Nightingale Room above Grand Central
11am – 1pm (inc. interval), 2-3pm, 4.30-5.30pm
Brighton Festival
May 7
BOOK HERE

HMS PINAFORE/ Sir Joseph Porter KCB
Newbury Festival
Corn Exchange, Newbury 3pm
May 20

JUNE

THE LITTLE FRENCH LAWYER/La-Writ
Simon takes the title role in Philip Massinger and John Fletcher’s 1620s comedy, as part of The Shakespeare Institute’s Massinger play-reading marathon.
Shakespeare Institute,Stratford-upon-Avon
June 16 (2.30)

PATIENCE/Bunthorne
Winchfield Festival, Hampshire
Semi-staged concert performance
June 21

HMS PINAFORE/Sir Joseph Porter KCB
Quay Theatre, Sudbury
June 22


JULY - AUGUST

THE JUBILEE or SHAKESPEAR’S GARLAND, with libretto by David Garrick (incorporating QUEEN MAB, with lyrics by Isaac Bickerstaff) and DATCHET MEAD or THE FAIRY COURT.
Simon prepares, records and edits more Charles Dibdin rarities for Retrospect Opera, for release on CD later in the year. Cast also includes Soraya Mafi, Heather Shipp and Robert Murray, with Stephen Higgins conducting from the fortepiano.


OCTOBER

LA BOHEME Benoit/Alcindoro
English National Opera,
London Coliseum
With performances on November 26,28, December 1,3,6,8
And in 2019, January 29, February 2,7,9,12,14,16,20,22

THE SORCERER/John Wellington Wells
Simon sings the title role in THE SORCERER, also a cabaret programme of songs by Coward, Sullivan, Slade, Spoliansky and Lehar.
Nile cruise, Egypt
October 8-15


NOVEMBER

Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment
Simon sings G&S
Parliament Chamber, Middle Temple
November 14

THE LISTENING SERVICE
Simon talks to Tom Service about Rossini
BBC Radio 3
November 18 5pm


DECEMBER

PASSPORT
Simon records poems from Paul Ibell’s latest volume of poetry, Passport

CHRISTMAS GAMBOLS
Simon talks about Charles Dibdin’s eccentric Christmas entertainment, playing excerpts from his CD recording
Music Matters
BBC Radio 3
December 15

Christmas Gambols and Pickwick are both available at the ENO shop, on Amazon, at Foyles and at www.retrospectopera.org.uk

JANUARY

LA BOHEME Alcindoro
Oper Köln
Staatenhaus, Köln
January 1
www.oper.koeln

CANDIDE Voltaire/Pangloss/Cacambo/Martin
Oper Kὅln
Staatenhaus, Cologne
January 4, 8, 12
www.oper.koeln or
www.oper.koeln/simonbutteriss

G&S Gala
Simon sings G&S favourites with full cast
RTE Concert Orchestra
National Concert Hall, Dublin
January 14

TAKING IT UP THE OCTAVE James
Simon plays the neurotic tenor, James, in the Radio 4 sitcom
BBC Radio 4Extra and on BBC iPlayer throughout January and February

FEBRUARY

G&S Masterclass
Simon gives a masterclass on performing Gilbert & Sullivan to opera students at the Royal Academy of Music
February 15

MISS IN HER TEENS Fribble
A performance of David Garrick’s 1747 comedy to mark the 300th anniversary of his birth.
Simon plays the role Garrick wrote for himself
Garrick Club, Garrick Street, London
February 20

PICKWICK and CUPS AND SAUCERS Pickwick/General Deelah
CD released February

MARCH

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD/Jack Point
Simon also directs this semi-staged performance
CBSO conducted by John Wilson
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
March 4

SATURDAY CLASSICS
A Pushkin Playlist
Simon presents BBC Saturday Classics, featuring music inspired by Pushkin’s writings
BBC Radio 3
Broadcast postponed until later in the year

YOUNG PERSON’S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA
Simon’s narration performed by Miriam Margolyes
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
Festival Theatre, Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide Festival
March 11, 12 2017

APRIL

Simon prepares a performing version of Charles Dibdin’s The Musical Tour of Mr Dibdin (his ‘Readings and Music’ Table Entertainment, incorporated in his 1788 memoir); music transcribed and edited by Andrew H King.

G&S Masterclass
Simon gives a masterclass on performing Gilbert and Sullivan, to students at St. Andrew’s University
April 29-30

MAY/JUNE

SIMON BUTTERISS ON PUSHKIN
Simon explores Pushkin’s influence on music
Saturday Classics
BBC Radio 3
June 3 at 1pm – 3pm

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM/Starveling
Aldeburgh Festival
May/June 2017
With performances on June 9, 11, 12, 14
The final performance will be recorded by BBC Radio 3 for subsequent broadcast

Simon addresses the Oxford University G&S Society at the annual dinner
Somerville College, Oxford
May 12

JUNE/JULY

TRIAL BY JURY/HMS PINAFORE The Learned Judge/Sir Joseph Porter
Concert performance
Croydon Philharmonic
June 17

CHRISTMAS GAMBOLS/MUSICAL TOUR OF MR DIBDIN
Simon records both Operatic Monodramas for release on CD later in the year by
Retrospect Opera. Christmas Gambols text edited by David Chandler; Musical Tour text reconstructed from Dibdin’s memoirs by Simon.
Stephen Higgins plays fortepiano and Simon produces the recording.
Retrospect Opera welcomes sponsors: click here for more details

SEPTEMBER

MY FAIR LADY/Colonel Pickering
Workshops
National Theatre

NATIONAL THEATRE Musical Theatre Group
Workshops on new musicals: Gulliver’s Travels, Duet for Three, Free Fringe and Children of Las Vegas.

OCTOBER

SATURDAY CLASSICS
What’s Comic About Opera?
Simon presents Saturday Classics
BBC Radio 3
October 21

MOONFLEET
R&D/workshops for this new musical based on the novel by J Meade Falkner, prior to a full production in Spring 2018.

QUAINT HONOUR/Robert Hallowes
Simon plays the beleaguered housemaster of a boys’ school in the first production since its premiere in 1958 of Roger Gellert’s play about adolescent sexual tensions.
Finborough Theatre, London
October 29,30,31(m)
Click here for more details

CHRISTMAS GAMBOLS
Simon’s recording, for Retrospect Opera, of Charles Dibdin’s solo entertainments, Christmas Gambols and The Musical Tour of Mr Dibdin, is released on CD in October.
Click here for more details

NOVEMBER

QUAINT HONOUR/Robert Hallowes
Simon plays the beleaguered housemaster of a boys’ school in the first production since its premiere in 1958 of Roger Gellert’s play about adolescent homosexuality.
Finborough Theatre, London
November 5,6,7(m),12,13,14(m),19,20,21(m)
Click here for more details

FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT
Simon sings songs by Lehar and Gilbert and Sullivan
BBC Radio 2
Recorded on November 23, for broadcast on December 1st at 8pm

DECEMBER

GARRICK CHRISTMAS
Simon sings Noel Coward
Garrick Club, London
December 15

IOLANTHE/Lord Chancellor
at W.S.Gilbert’s house, Grim’s Dyke
December 17

JANUARY

MY FAIR LADY Colonel Pickering
Oper Kὅln, Cologne
January 2, 10, 16, 19

HMS PINAFORE Sir Joseph Porter
Singalong from scratch performance
Salisbury Playhouse
January 23

ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD Jupiter
Simon directs and writes a dramatized narration, also plays Jupiter as narrator
Opera Danube
St John’s Smith Square, London
January 29, 30, 31

FEBRUARY

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN CONCERT
RTE Concert Orchestra
National Concert Hall, Dublin
February 3

SATURDAY CLASSICS
Simon presents Saturday Classics on BBC Radio 3
What’s Comic About Opera?
February 6
1pm (till 3pm)

MARCH

YOUNG PERSON’S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA
Simon’s narration will be spoken by Ben Steinfeld
Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, USA
March 5

APRIL

FALSTAFF Bardolfo
Simon sings Bardolfo in the finale of Verdi’s opera at Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary celebration
English National Opera/Royal Shakespeare Company
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
Broadcast live on BBC2 and at cinemas worldwide
April 23

During the Spring, Simon translates and makes a version of Gounod’s La Colombe

Other 2016 engagements include

PICKWICK
Simon records the title role in Solomon/Burnand’s operetta for release on CD by Retrospect Opera.

CUPS AND SAUCERS General Deelah
Simon records the George Grossmith operetta for release on CD by Retrospect Opera

BAB BALLADS
Simon and others record W S Gilbert’s Bab Ballads for release on CD

LA COLOMBE/Maitre Jean
Simon translates, directs and sings Maitre Jean in Gounod’s opera comique
West Green House Opera
See here for details

SATURDAY CLASSICS
Simon presents Saturday Classics on BBC Radio 3
A Pushkin Playlist
Transmission date tbc.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM/Starveling
Robert Carsen’s classic Aix-en-Provence production
Performances in Beijing (September, October) and Bahrein (December)

CANDIDE Voltaire/Pangloss/Cacambo/Martin
Oper Kὅln
Staatenhaus, Cologne
October to January 2017, with perfs on December 9, 29, 31
www.oper.koeln or
www.oper.koeln/simonbutteriss

LA BOHEME Alcindoro
Oper Köln
Staatenhaus, Köln
December 16,18,21,23,25,28,30
www.oper.koeln

JANUARY

MAHLER’S LIEDER EINES FAHRENDEN GESSELLEN/SCHÖNBERG’S BRETTL LIEDER
Simon stages these two song cycles in their chamber orchestrations
Britten Theatre, Prince Consort Road, SW7
January 21

JUST WILLIAM/JEEVES AND WOOSTER
Recital with Martin Jarvis, with music by Ronald Corp and Richard Sisson
January 26

FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT
70th anniversary celebration of The Light Programme
Simon sings songs by Gilbert and Sullivan and Noel Coward
Broadcast live from
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
January 30

FEBRUARY

MY FAIR LADY Colonel Pickering
Oper Kὅln at Muscat Royal Opera House
February 19, 20, 21

MARCH

PRINCESS IDA/Gama
Finborough Theatre, London
March 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 (m), 31

APRIL

PRINCESS IDA/Gama
Finborough Theatre, London
April 1, 2, 3, 4 (m&e), 5 (m), 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (m&e), 12 (m), 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 (m&e)

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN CONCERT
Simon comperes and sings patter songs
English National Opera, London Coliseum
April 27

MAY-JULY

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Starveling
Aix-en-Provence, Festival International d’Art Lyrique
With performances on July 4, 7, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20
This production will be televised and broadcast by France 2 on July 14
There will be live screenings across France of the July 12 performance, with deferred broadcasts across Europe.
The July 7 performance will be broadcast live on radio by France Musique.

BRIGADOON
Simon writes a dramatized narration
All Star Cast/RTE Concert Orchestra/John Wilson
June 20 (at 3 and 8pm)

A MOST INGENIOUS PARADOX: LOVING G&S TO DEATH?
The Radio 3 Documentary
Simon contributes to Martin Handley's Sunday Feature
BBC Radio 3
June 28 6.45 and on BBC iPlayer for 30 days

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER

A SAVOY COCKTAIL (working title)
Recording of a five-part drama series for BBC Radio 4, to be broadcast in December, co-written (with Robin Brooks) and co-directed (with Fiona McAlpine) by Simon, in which he plays George Grossmith.

DRAW ON SWEET NIGHT Richard Lyndall
Feature film by Tony Britten
Simon also adapted the dialogue into 17th Century English
Premieres at Cinema City Picturehouse, Norwich
September 7
Showing during September in Chichester, Ipswich, Phoenix East Finchley, Canterbury, Tavistock, Torrington.

OPERETTA GALA
Opera Danube
Simon comperes and sings Njegus and General Boum
St John’s Smith Square
September 19

SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER

LA BOHEME Benoit/Alcindoro
Benedict Andrews’ new production for English National Opera,
London Coliseum
With performances on October 16, 21, 23, 29, 31
and November 4, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 24, 26

DECEMBER

MY FAIR LADY Colonel Pickering
Oper Kὅln, Cologne
December 12, 16, 18, 20, 23, 26, 29, 31

I AM THE VERY MODEL/George Grossmith
Simon also co-writes and co-directs this five-part radio drama, starring Alex Jennings as Sullivan and Rupert Vansittart as Gilbert
BBC Radio 4
December 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 10.45 and 19.45 daily, also repeated on Radio 4 Extra
December 21 Episode 1 A Man of Jollity
December 22 Episode 2 Ruler of the Queen’s Navee
December 23 Episode 3 A Disagreeable Man
December 24 Episode 4 A Savoy Cocktail
December 25 Episode 5 Piano and I

JANUARY

MY FAIR LADY Zoltan Karpathy
Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris
January 1

THE BEST OF G&S
Simon performs, directs (and writes linking script)
Raymond Gubbay
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
January 5 (m)

FEBRUARY

TRIAL BY JURY Counsel (with other G&S excerpts)
CBSO/John Wilson
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
February 7

FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT
BBC Radio (TX March 7)
Recorded with audience February 26

MARCH

THE SOLDIER’S TALE The Devil
Simon directs Stravinsky’s Histoire du Soldat, starring Edward Fox
Royal Ballet School/RCM
RCM Concert Hall
March 4, 6pm

FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT
BBC Radio
March 7

APRIL

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN CONCERT
RTE Concert Orchestra/John Wilson
National Concert Hall, Dublin
April 15

DIE FLEDERMAUS Dr Blind
Simon directs and writes dramatized narration, also plays Dr Blind, as narrator
Philharmonia Orchestra/John Wilson
Royal Festival Hall
April 27, 3pm

MAY

Simon in Concert for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Grim’s Dyke (W S Gilbert’s house)
May 23

CARMEN
Simon writes and performs dramatized narration
RTE Concert Orchestra/John Wilson
National Concert Hall, Dublin
May 31

JUNE

MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN
Simon sings Coward and G&S in concert with Christopher Maltman and Stephen Higgins
Staplehurst Concerts
June 7

THE MIKADO KoKo/IOLANTHE Lord Chancellor
Simon directs and plays the patter roles
Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company on tour

New Brighton, Pavilion Theatre
IOLANTHE June 12 (m&e)
MIKADO June 13, 14 (m&e)

Dartford, Orchard Theatre
MIKADO June 18 (m&e)
IOLANTHE June 19 (m&e)

G&S GALA
Poole, The Lighthouse
June 21

Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre
IOLANTHE June 26, 27
MIKADO June 28 (m&e)

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN GALA
Cotswold Chamber Orchestra/Burford Singers/Brian Kay
Burford
June 29

JULY

THE MIKADO KoKo/IOLANTHE Lord Chancellor
Simon directs and plays the patter roles
Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company on tour

Darlington, Civic Theatre
IOLANTHE July 1
MIKADO July 4, 5 (m&e)

Stockport, Plaza Theatre
IOLANTHE July 10
MIKADO July 11, 12 (m&e)

AUGUST

THE MIKADO KoKo/IOLANTHE Lord Chancellor
Simon directs and plays the patter roles
Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company on tour

Harrogate, Royal Hall
Gilbert and Sullivan International Festival
MIKADO August 2 (m&e)

Malvern, Malvern Theatre
MIKADO August 8, 9 (m&e)

Harrogate, Royal Hall
Gilbert and Sullivan International Festival
IOLANTHE August 15, 16 (m&e), 26 (m&e)
MIKADO August 22, 23 (m&e)

HELLO DOLLY
Simon writes dramatized narration
RTE Concert Orchestra/John Wilson
National Concert Hall, Dublin
August 22, 23

BUTTERISS BONANZA
Simon in recital at the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, Crown Hotel, Harrogate
August 24

THE LAVENDER SONGBOOK
Simon in recital at Manchester Pride
August 28

AUTUMN

Simon has been commissioned by the BBC to co-write, co-direct and play Grossmith in a five-part drama series about Grossmith, Gilbert and Sullivan for Radio 4 and he will be researching and begin writing this in the autumn. He is also translating a Schὅnberg song cycle for performance in 2015 and ‘translating’ a screenplay into 17th century English.
Other engagements include:

OCTOBER

DIE FLEDERMAUS
Simon directs his Philharmonia version
Opera Danube
St John’s Smith Square, London
October 17, 18

NOVEMBER

DRAW ON SWEET NIGHT
Simon plays Richard Lyndall in this feature film which shoots throughout November.

LA VOIX HUMAINE
The Cocteau/Poulenc opera in Simon’s translation
Rosemary Branch Theatre, London
November 7

JANUARY

HMS PINAFORE Sir Joseph Porter
Simon also directs these semi-staged performances
Raymond Gubbay
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
January 6
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
January 13

MARCH

THE MIKADO Ko-Ko
Raymond Gubbay
Simon also directs these semi-staged concert performances
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
March 10
Royal Festival Hall, London
March 16
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
March 17

APRIL

LA BOHEME  Benoit/Alcindoro
English National Opera
London Coliseum
April 29

MAY

MEICOST ETTAL Ludwig II
Simon in VO as Ludwig II in a short film by Samuel Fouracre
CC at HD:Projects
131 Essex Street, New York
May 4 - 25
Open Thurs-Sat 12-5pm and by appt (347 285 0566)

LA BOHEME  Benoit/Alcindoro
English National Opera
London Coliseum
May 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 24, 31

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN GALA
Royal Albert Hall
May 12

JUNE

LA BOHEME  Benoit/Alcindoro
English National Opera
London Coliseum
June 7, 12, 15 (6.30), 19, 22 (6.30), 29 (3.00)

JULY

LA VOIX HUMAINE
Sarah Gabriel sings Simon’s translation of the Poulenc/Cocteau opera
Cheltenham Music Festival
July 5

THE BEST OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN
Simon sings patter songs and The Learned Judge in a complete TRIAL BY JURY
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/John Wilson
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
July 6

AUGUST

IOLANTHE  Lord Chancellor
Simon also directs this new production
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Buxton Opera House
August 2, 3 (m&e)
Harrogate Royal Hall
August 24 (m&e)

PRINCESS IDA  King Gama
Simon also directs this new production
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Buxton Opera House
August 16, 17(m)
Harrogate Royal Hall
August 18 (m&e)

SEPTEMBER

DIE FLEDERMAUS  Dr. Blind
Simon is also dialogue coach for this production
English National Opera
London Coliseum
September 30

OCTOBER

DIE FLEDERMAUS  Dr. Blind
English National Opera
London Coliseum
October 2, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 22, 24, 31

MEICOST ETTAL Ludwig II
Simon in VO as Ludwig II in a short film by Samuel Fouracre
4 Windmill Street, London, W1T 2HZ
Opening Tuesday 15 October, 6pm – 9pm
Thursday 17: 1 to 5pm
Friday 18: 1 to 5pm
Saturday 19: 11am to 5pm

THE MERRY WIDOW
Simon directs his Philharmonia version
St John’s Smith Square, London
October 18, 19

BRITTEN’S GOT TALENT Benjamin Britten
Rehearsed reading of a new play by Robin Brooks
The Cut, Halesworth, Suffolk
October 27th 11.30am

NOVEMBER

DIE FLEDERMAUS Dr Blind
English National Opera
London Coliseum
November 6

HMS PINAFORE Sir Joseph Porter
TRIAL BY JURY The Learned Judge
Assembly Rooms, Derby
November 17

YOUNG PERSON’S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA 
BBC Symphony Orchestra will be using Simon’s narration
Britten Centenary Weekend: Centenary Family Concert
BBCSO
Snape Maltings Concert Hall
Live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 November 23rd 11am

DECEMBER

MY FAIR LADY Zoltan Karpathy
Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris
December 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31

THE ONE SHOW
Simon talks about Iolanthe’s Fairy Lights at the Savoy Theatre
BBC1
December 19 7pm

THE BEST OF G&S
Simon directs (and writes linking script)
Raymond Gubbay
Barbican Hall, London
December 28 (m)

JANUARY

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Major-General Stanley
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
January 1
Barbican Hall, London
January 2, (3pm)
Bridgewater Hall , Manchester
January 8, (3pm)

FEBRUARY

THE TALES OF HOFFMANN Cochenille/Pitichinaccio/Frantz/Andres
ENO, London Coliseum
February 10,16,18,23,29

MARCH

THE TALES OF HOFFMANN Cochenille/Pitichinaccio/Frantz/Andres
ENO, London Coliseum
March 2,6,8,10

HMS PINAFORE Sir Joseph Porter
Simon also directs these semi-staged concerts
Barbican Hall, London
March 11 (3pm)
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
March 16
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
March 18 (3pm)

ENO GALA
Simon sings The Nightmare Song
One, Mayfair
March 19

APRIL

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD Jack Point
Simon also directs these semi-staged concerts
Royal Festival Hall, London
Philharmonia Orchestra
April 15 (3pm)
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
April 21

MAY

OXFORD UNIVERSITY GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SOCIETY
While rehearsing at Garsington, Simon is guest speaker at the OUGSS annual dinner
May 4

JUNE

LA PERICHOLE Don Pedro
Garsington Opera
June 18,21,23,26,28

JULY

LA PERICHOLE Don Pedro
Garsington Opera
July 1,3

THE MIKADO KoKo
Simon also directs this new production
Opera House, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
July 28(m&e),29

AUGUST

THE MIKADO KoKo
Simon also directs this new production
Opera House, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 5(m&e)
Royal Hall, Harrogate,
August 27 (m&e)

HMS PINAFORE Sir Joseph Porter
Opera House, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 10,11 (m&e),18
Royal Hall, Harrogate
August 25 (m&e)

SEPTEMBER

DESERT ISLAND DISCS 70TH ANNIVERSARY PROM
BBC PROMS
Royal Albert Hall
September 3
Simon sings Mad Dogs and Englishmen

OCTOBER
 
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Major-General Stanley
Assembly Rooms, Derby
October 14

NOVEMBER

THE SORCERER John Wellington Wells
Municipal Theatre, San Bartolomé
November 10

THE MIKADO Ko-Ko
Municipal Theatre, San Bartolomé
November 16

DECEMBER 

THE MERRY WIDOW  Njegus/Narrator
Simon also directs this semi-staged production, for which he will write a dramatized narration
Philharmonia Orchestra, John Wilson
Royal Festival Hall
December 2

ENO QUIZ
ENO fundraising event
London Coliseum
December 3

HMS PINAFORE Sir Joseph Porter
Simon also directs these semi-staged performances
Raymond Gubbay
Barbican Hall, London
December 27
Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
December 29
Usher Hall, Edinburgh
December 30

JANUARY

MY FAIR LADY
Théâtre du Chatelet, Paris
January 1, 2

LA BOHEME
ENO, London Coliseum
January 22, 25, 27


FEBRUARY

THE CHOIR
BBC Radio 3
February 20
Simon discusses Sullivan's choral writing with Aled Jones

ACCUMULATED FERVOUR
Simon gives the Jay Newman Memorial Lecture for the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Society at The Players, New York
February 25

MARCH

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
March 11
Barbican Hall, London
March 12
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
March 13

APRIL

TRIAL BY JURY
Stationers' Hall, London
April 15

MAY

FIDELIO
Narration written and performed by Simon
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
The Dome, Brighton Festival
May 8

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
ENO, London Coliseum
May 19, 21, 25, 28,

COCO
(Alan Jay Lerner/Andre Previn)
Lost Musicals at Sadler's Wells, London
Sunday afternoons May 15, 22

JUNE

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
ENO, London Coliseum
June 3, 11, 17, 23, 25, 30

COCO
Lost Musicals at Sadler's Wells, London
Sunday afternoons June 5,12

SIR CHARLES MACKERRAS: A CELEBRATION IN MUSIC
ENO, London Coliseum
June 26

JULY

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Opera House, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
July 30 (m&e), 31 (m)

TRIAL BY JURY
Opera House, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
July 31

AUGUST

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Opera House, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 7 (m&e), 20

THE SORCERER
Opera House, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 8

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER WITH SIMON BUTTERISS
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
August 12

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN: A MOTLEY PAIR
Simon introduces a screening of two episodes of his television series
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 14

UTOPIA LIMITED
Opera House, Buxton
International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
August 19, 20(m)

SEPTEMBER

Gilbert and Sullivan concert
Rye Festival
September 20

OCTOBER

THE GHOSTS OF RUDDIGORE Kevin Murgatroyd/Robin Oakapple OdL tour
Eastbourne: 4,5 (m&e),6,7,8(m&e),
Didcot: 9
Crawley 12
Lincoln 13
Chipping Norton 14
Margate 15
Llandudno 18
Bridlington 21
Newark  22
Leeds 23
Berwick 25
South Shields 26
Langholm  27
Hexham 28
Derby 29

NOVEMBER

LE GRAND MACABRE  Black Minister
Gran Teatre de Liceu, Barcelona
November 19,22,25,28   

DECEMBER

LE GRAND MACABRE  Black Minister
Gran Teatre de Liceu, Barcelona 
December 1

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Major-General Stanley
Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
December 27
Usher Hall, Edinburgh
December 28 (3pm)