Captain Corcoran: HMS Pinafore / English National 2025
“John Savournin’s Captain Corcoran displays an effortless command of the stage, combined with such a complete inhabiting of the role that he barely seems to be performing at all. This all looks effortless but takes real skill and good judgement. And on top of all of that, he can tap dance! He truly is a national treasure.”
Mark Aspen
“…John Savournin’s deft, comic timing.”
The Guardian
“The production is anchored by the John Cleese-esque John Savournin as Captain Corcoran, who is pompous and likeable, mellifluous of voice, and a nimble dancer.”
London Theatre
“ENO favourite and G&S expert bass-baritone John Savournin reprises the role of Captain Corcoran. Savournin has something of John Cleese about him, with his lanky frame perfect for Lizzie Gee’s choreography in which he hilariously combines the Ministry of Silly Walks with a hornpipe. Savournin has a mellifluous vocal tone well-suited to the more sentimental of Sullivan’s melodies as well as the comic chops to withstand Mel Giedroyc’s comedic subversions.”
London Unattached
“As Captain Corcoran, John Savournin is luxury casting: crisp in diction, immaculate in timing and effortlessly witty without ever forcing the comedy.”
Music OMH
“John Savournin, with his splendid bass-baritone, proves what an expert he is in the Gilbert and Sullivan style, and his portrayal of Capatian Corcoran is perfect right up to the moment when he instantly changes accent to tie in with his demotion.”
Opera Online
“John Savournin, a stylish stand out, is practically an operetta company all by himself, his singing, dancing and dialogue spot-on”
The Stage
“…peerless professionalism from John Savournin as Captain Corcoran.”
The Telegraph
“The always watchable John Savournin deploys impeccable comic timing and a raft of wry looks as Captain Corcoran.”
The Times
The Pirate King: The Pirates of Penzance / English National Opera
“John Savournin, current G&S doyen, sings and acts the Pirate King to classical perfection.”
The Arts Desk
“John Savournin’s Pirate King delivers dry comedic genius with effortless precision.”
Broadway World
“John Savournin delivers his introductory song with refined bravado and makes the most of the Blackadder-esque humour in the initial scenario.”
The Guardian
“With his superb bass-baritone, he not only has the presence for the role, but also succeeds in making his hearty swagger fgeel beautifully honed as opposed to hyperbolic or hammed.”
OperaOnline
“John Savournin is every inch the swaggering Pirate King with a rich bass-baritone often allied to a salty grin.”
Opera Today
“John Savournin as the Pirate King gives an assured performance.”
The Reviews Hub
“John Savournin, a latter-day Gilbert and Sullivan champion, is a safe pair of hands for the Pirate King.”
The Stage
“John Savournin blusters and bellows winningly as the Pirate King.”
The Standard
“John Savournin is a Pirate King, crisp of rhythm and sharp of diction.”
The Telegraph
Sir Despard Murgatroyd: Ruddigore / Opera North 2024
“John Savournin cuts a dash as the dastardly Sir Despard, commanding the stage with effortless flair.”
British Theatre Guide
“John Savournin was the master of patter song, an example to everyone essaying its challenges…”
Music OMH
“…cloaks swirled and moustaches were twitched in true silent cinema fashion, which played into the hands of John Savournin’s dastardly Sir Despard. Never one to downplay comic opportunities, Savournin was in element – and making every word count in a firm bass-baritone.”
Opera
“John Savournin was a cloak-twirling delight as the bad baronet, yet Savournin brought great style to the role too and you sensed Sir Despard’s regard for his image. Savournin is an experienced Gilbert & Sullivan hand (his patter number was to die for) yet he has wider operatic experience so there was much to appreciate in his musical performance. In dialogue, he had a neat way of managing to say more (or less) than the text meant.”
Opera Today
“John Savournin radiates confidence as Sir Despard, both as bad baronet and reformed giver of penny readings and adopts every kind of posture in his blameless dances…”
The Reviews Hub
“…seemingly no G&S production these days can be without the charisma of John Savournin…”
The Telegraph
Wilfred Shadbolt: The Yeomen of the Guard / Opera Holland Park 2024
“With his fine bass-baritone and astutely observed gestures, John Savournin brings out both the brutishness and comedy in the character of Wilfred Shadbolt.”
Music OMH
“John Savournin has a blast in the role of the unctuous jailer Wilfred Shadbolt…”
The Reviews Hub
“John Savournin plays the Tower of London’s morose “assistant torturer” Wilfred Shadbolt with wonderfully lugubrious humour and pitch-perfect comic timing.”
The Times
Sante: Il segreto di Susanna / Opera Holland Park 2024
“The exquisite comic timing of John Savournin, in the silent role of the servant Sante, is a joy to behold.”
The Observer
“John Savournin’s butler was fabulously funny…”
Seen and Heard International
“There is a third, silent role in the piece: Gil’s butler Sante, who is complicit in Susanna’s subterfuge. While not exploiting John Savournin’s gifts as a bass-baritone, it showcases his deadpan wit and the lanky neatness of his body language.”
Opera Today
“…it’s the non-speaking role of Sante who provides the real comedy. Played by John Savournin, also from the original cast, he’s a master of physical comedy. He can raise a laugh simply from plumping cushions or self-consciously wheeling a cocktail trolley.”
The Reviews Hub
“John Savournin is priceless in the mimed role of the butler.”
The Times
Peter Quince: A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Garsington Opera 2024
“Gongs should go, too, to each of the mechanicals, most notably to John Savournin as Quince…”
iNews
“…an expert performance from John Savournin.”
The Stage
“John Savournin as a resonant Quince stood out.”
The Telegraph
Hotel Manager etc: Powder Her Face / Nederlandse Reisopera 2024
“One scene stands out: the judge’s ruling in the divorce case. In a concentrated monologue, the toga-clad bass-baritone John Savournin wipes the floor with the Duchess (‘the morality of a mattress, a Don Juan among women’). He sings sometimes hysterically high, sometimes sinisterly low. Finally a scene that catches the eye.”
deVolkskradt
“John Savournin was convincingly out of his mind as a misogynistic judge.”
nrc
“…the sonorous bass-baritone John Savurnin.”
Place de l’Opéra
“a wonderful evening of opera with an ideal ensemble, including the concentrated bass-baritone of John Savournin.”
Theaterkrant
“…the virtuoso singing of John Savournin.”
Trouw
The Lord Chancellor: Iolanthe / English National Opera 2023
“… beautifully sung, as ever, by the age’s leading all-round Savoyard John Savournin…”
The Arts Desk
“Bass-baritone John Savournin, unquestionably our finest exponent of Gilbert and Sullivan, both as performer and, elsewhere, director, is magnificent as the Lord Chancellor, whose famous nightmare song flies faster than any spright.”
Culture Whisper
“John Savournin as a much-younger-than-usual Lord Chancellor crisply articulates every syllable.”
The Guardian
“John Savournin’s Lord Chancellor and Samantha Price’s Iolanthe inhabiting their roles as to the manner born.”
iNews
“John Savournin, a confident performer with a conversational singing style made a fast paced word salad of his tongue twisting Chancellor’s Nightmare.”
Londonology
“…our best contemporary Savoyard, John Savournin, as a memorable Lord Chancellor.”
The Mail on Sunday
“John Savournin’s refreshingly sympathetic Lord Chancellor.”
The Times
Sir Despard Murgatroyd: Ruddigore / Opera Holland Park & Charles Court Opera 2023
“Things really take off – as one might expect – with the Bad Baron’s arrival, John Savournin milking his reluctant sinner’s villainy for all its worth, cape a-swishing, moustache a-twirling.”
Broadway World
“…superb as Sir Despard Murgatroyd.”
The Guardian
“The evening’s class acts were Savournin himself as Sir Despard and Heather Lowe as Mad Margaret, both of whom oozed close on their every appearance.”
Opera
“John Savournin (as Sir Despard) is fruity and oaky, bubbling away terrifically in the patter, and boasting a fine lyric voice elsewhere…He remains one of the finest comic singing actors in the country.”
OperaWire
“John Savournin (as Sir Despard Murgatroyd) could have been born twirling his moustache and swirling his cape. The man’s a phenomenon.”
The Spectator
Judas: The Apostles / Three Choirs Festival 2023
“…his singing, qua singing, was very fine and, crucially, his character identification was extremely convincing. To me, he conveyed very successfully both the anguish of Judas as he realises how gravely he has miscalculated and then the character’s complete despair. This was the best solo contribution of the evening.”
Seen and Heard International
Micha: The Bartered Bride / Garsington Opera at Wormsley 2023
“The two parental duos – luxuriously cast and vividly played by (ia) John Savournin (Micha)…”
Opera
Major Domo: Ariadne auf Naxos / Opera North 2023
“Versatile bass-baritone John Savournin was the commanding figure of the Major-domo in the Prologue, his stentorian voice delivering the instructions sometimes as direct speech, sometimes as recitative.”
Bachtrack
“John Savournin made a delightful Major Domo, relishing the words in the right way…”
Opera Today
“The ensemble bustle of the Prologue zips along nicely, with John Savournin channelling John Cleese as the Major Domo.”
The Spectator
“Leaving strong impressions are (i.a.) John Savournin’s impossibly haughty Major Domo.”
The Stage
“The commissioner’s wishes are relayed by the Major Domo John Savournin, the one person on stage whose impeccable diction does not need the loudspeaker he’s offered.”
The Telegraph
“John Savournin, one of opera’s few born comedians, is delightful in two roles, the rich backer’s voice on earth and the clown Truffaldino.”
The Times
Major Domo & Truffaldino: Ariadne auf Naxos / Opera North 2023
“Versatile bass-baritone John Savournin was the commanding figure of the Major Domo in the Prologue, his stentorian voice delivering the instructions sometimes as dierect speech, sometimes as recitative.”
Bachtrack
“John Savournin made a delightful Major Domo…”
Opera Today
“…the one performer on stage whose impeccable diction does not need the loudspeaker he is offered.”
The Telegraph
“…the comically gifted John Savournin leads a team of great performers who make the Opera North philosophy of an ‘ensemble’ company come wonderfully into its own.”
TheatreReviewsNorth
Gaffer Gubbins – Dragon: The Dragon of Wantley / Resonus Classics 2022
“John Savournin, doubling as Gubbins and the Dragon, is ideally firm of voice.”
Gramophone
“John Savournin ripely doubles Gubbins, a sly parody of one of those solemnly Handelian bass patricians, with the short but sweet role of the titular monster itself.”
Opera
Reginald Bunthorne: Patience / Charles Court Opera at Wilton’s Music Hall 2022
“Oozing on with kohl-rimmed eyes and projecting invertebrate languor Savournin didn’t even need to open his mouth to make us laugh.”
The Arts Desk
“Evoking the sly charm of Richard E Grant, with incisive vocal inflections and acting that never veered OTT, John Savournin precisely captured the flourish and cunning and indeed vulnerability of the Bunthorne. Another example of superlative multi-tasking from this hugely talented performer, director, and writer.”
Plays To See
“John Savournin is smashing as Bunthorne himself, the crux of the story and embodiment of the Aesthetic movement.
The Reviews Hub
Captain Corcoran: HMS Pinafore / Opera Holland Park 2022
“John Savournin’s dead-straight presence and unforced singing as Captain Corcoran was a delight…”
Opera
“John Savournin delivered another star turn as Captain Corcoran: he can create an entire comic persona with the lift of an eyebrow, but Pinafore shows his handsome mahogany bass-baritone to fine effect too.”
The Spectator
“He plays the role of Captain Corcoran with perfect acumen and physical dexterity, as well as keen vocal address.”
The Stage
Sir Richard Cholmondeley: The Yeomen of the Guard / The Grange Festival 2022
“The high calibre cast certainly delivers the goods as John Savournin, with his sure command of the Gilbert and Sullivan style, gets the character of Sir Richard Cholmondeley down to a tee so that his excellent bass-baritone almost feels like a bonus.”
Music OMH
“…a Sir Richard Cholmondely who knew what to do with every word and note.”
Opera
“The cast and company are excellent: John Savournin as Sir Richard Cholmondeley, in G&S terms, not so much luxury casting as platinum-plated.”
The Spectator
“John Savournin is an authoritative Lieutenant.”
The Telegraph
Luka: The Bear / Opera Holland Park Film 2021
“…the versatile bass-baritone John Savournin is invariably a vocal as well as dramatic asset to any show in which he appears.”
Opera
Captain Corcoran: HMS Pinafore / English National Opera 2021
“Ever-brilliant John Savournin we know as a consummate performer…”
The Arts Desk
“John Savournin, one of the funniest men around. The talented director of Charles Court Opera, who also do brilliant G&S, he is a magnificent bass-baritone to boot. As Captain Corcoran, in command of the titular Pinafore, he struts and worries, proud of his eager crew, anxious for his on-board daughter.”
Culture Whisper
“On the plus side, the cast is led by John Savournin as Captain Corcoran, commander of the Pinafore. Having himself frequently directed G&S operettas as well as being a fine bass-baritone singer of more serious opera and a surprisingly good dancer, the experience and expertise he brings to the role is perfect.”
The Daily Express
“As Captain Corcoran, the excellent John Savournin gives us an object lesson in how do Gilbert and Sullivan, with phrases nicely shaped and words finely pointed.”
The Guardian
John Savournin “the most natural comedian on the stage’s Captain Corcoran (is) blissfully good.”
iNews
As Captain Corcoran, Savournin is an absolute delight. A talented and instantly appealing comic actor with a warm bass-baritone, he’s hugely sympathetic as the decent chap who’s somehow always a fraction behind the eight ball. Operetta deserves more like him.”
Limelight
“In this fare you need one performer whose presence zaps up the energy; who can sing, and articulate beautifully, and who has that rare comic timing that makes a mere twitch of an eyebrow funny. Here, that person is the bass-baritone John Savournin (Captain Corcoran).”
The Observer
“Best of all…John Savournin’s irresistible Captain Corcoran…”
Opera
“…John Savournin’s pitch-perfect, nice-but-dim” Captain Corcoran…”
Opera Now
“…arguably the best all-round performance comes from John Savournin whose detailed portrayal of Captain Corcoran is micro-managed right up until the moment when he instantly switches accent as soon as he is demoted.”
Opera Online
“John Savournin is a stylish Captain, ramrod straight of stance, lyrical of voice, tongue-in-cheek of manner. He judges the piquancy and playfulness of proceedings perfectly. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine the G&S idiom being better discerned and delivered.”
Opera Today
“John Savournin, as Captain Corcoran, wears his bass-baritone as stylishly as his uniform, and his rapport with Hilary Summers’s Buttercup gives the evening its heart.”
The Spectator
“John Savournin is excellent with words, notes and movement.”
The Stage
“Savournin, a G & S specialist, delivers the patter with a swagger…”
The Standard
“…the most experienced Savoyard on stage, John Savournin is in his element as the “right good” Captain…”
The Sunday Times
“John Savournin’s Captain Corcoran, resonant, witty and absolutely clear…”
The Telegraph
“…multi-talented principals such as John Savournin (a brilliant John Cleese-like turn as Captain Corcoran)…”
The Times
“Savournin himself was thoroughly at home as the Pirate King, his bass depths shivering timbers, his posh accent confirming him as a nobleman gone wrong.”
Opera
“…an effortlessly physical performer who carries himself as gracefully, and as engagingly, as he sings.”
The Spectator
“…a suave Pirate King…”
The Stage
Feigin: Two Songs from Twelfth Night / Toccata Classics
“The opulent voice of John Savournin seems particularly well suited to these gorgeous songs…”
Fanfare
Priest & Badger: The Cunning Little Vixen, Opera Holland Park 2021
“John Savournin as the Greek-quoting Priest manages to move us with little introduction as he reflects on his way home from the pub.”
The Arts Desk
“John Savournin, managing a nifty change from Badger to Priest, was particularly effective in the latter role where he continued to badger his flock with moralising homilies.”
The Standard
Fotis: The Greek Passion / Opera North
“John Savournin in commanding from as the refugees’ priest, Fotis, touchingly acted.”
Bachtrack
“John Savournin as Fotis was almost mystical in his intensity and with a powerful feeling of working to his own time. A moving portrayal…”
Planet Hugill
“Chorus and soloists, especially John Savournin, excelled.”
The Observer
“…with a special mention for John Savournin (Priest Fotis).”
Opera Online
“John Savournin commands our sympathy as the refugees’ spiritual guide…”
Opera Today
Leporello: Don Giovanni / Opera Holland Park
“John Savournin was the perfect foil as Leporello, a bluff cove who presents his Catalogue Aria winningly in a warm bass-baritone.”
Bachtrack
“…with his strong comic timing, John Savournin makes an excellent Leporello.”
The Financial Times
“John Savournin’s dry, sardonic, brilliantly timed Leporello…”
Opera
“John Savournin was equally good as Leporello, delivering the character’s trademark patter with brisk efficiency. His comic timing was impeccable throughout and he displayed an ability to think on his feet as he moved from one crisis to another. The catalogue aria was exceptionally fine…
Seen and Heard International
Leporello: Don Giovanni / Opera North
“…the slick-moving, quick-reacting John Savournin, who also boasted a firm bass-baritone.”
Opera
“…excellent Leporello, John Savournin.”
The Times
Sarastro: The Magic Flute / Opera North
“John Savournin is a smart and elegant Sarastro…”
Bachtrack
Gangster 2: Kiss Me Kate / Opera North
“The other possible show-stealers in any production of this musical play are, of course, the two gangsters, here played by Joseph Shovelton and John Savournin, who do not disappoint: their “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” delivered with plenty of comic business in front of the curtain, is really hilarious.”
Bachtrack
“…delightful comic turns from Joseph Shovelton and John Savournin.”
The Mail on Sunday
“Joseph Shovelton and John Savournin’s pair of hapless hoodlums are a joy.”
The Guardian
“The showstopper was Bruch Up Your Shakespeare, expertly performed by Joseph Shovelton and John Savournin…”
Opera
Colline: La bohème / Opera Holland Park
“John Savournin’s eloquent Colline was the pick of the men, real warmth to his soft bass.”
Bachtrack
“Two performances stand out, Colline is a secondary character, but John Savournin invests his mock-serious farewell to his coat with immense dignity.
Evening Standard
“John Savournin was first rate in the role of Colline and he gave a dark sonorous account of Vecchia zimarra in Act 1V.”
Seen and Heard International
“…the class act that is John Savournin…”
WhatsOnStage
Alidoro: La cenerentola / Opera North
“As the fixer and straight man, the equivalent of a Fairy Godmother, he has a kind of instant dramatic authority, and his warm tones fit the part.”
Bachtrack
“Alidoro is the tutor / philosopher who supplants the story’s Fairy Godmother and John Savournin distinguished with a voice both powerful and movingly lyrical.”
Seen and Heard International
“John Savournin twinkles as the manipulative Alidoro.”
The Times
“Alidoro, here sung by the vocally stylish and urbanely hilarious bass-baritone John Savournin, who makes light work of his big aria, “Là del ciel.””
WhatsOnStage
Barone di Kelbar: Un giorno di regno / Chelsea Opera Group
“John Savournin, with his easily flowing bass-baritone, made an elegantly obsequious Barone di Kelbar.”
Opera
Count Horn: Un ballo in maschera / Opera Holland Park
“Benjamin Bevan and John Savournin tread a fine line between comedy and darkness as the two would-be assassins.”
Bachtrack
“Benjamin Bevan and John Savournin as Ribbing and Horn were a pair of well-contrasted conspirators…”
Opera
Sante: Il segreto di Susanna / Opera Holland Park
“With John Savournin in fine form as Susanna’s dumb waiter, this was first-class entertainment.”
Daily Mail
“The priceless antics of John Savournin in the mute role of the servant Sante are straight out of the Basil Fawlty school of faux obsequiousness.”
Evening Standard
“The show was very nearly stolen by John Savournin in the silent role of the butler…”
Opera
“John Savournin’s deliciously tongue-in-cheek, long-suffering manservant Sante…”
Opera Today
“John Savournin as the butler Sante can raise a laugh with a flick of the little finger.”
The Spectator
Heart’s Delight / Opera Holland Park in Concert
“…no-one gets laughs more easily and naturally than G & S supremo John Savournin: the Lord Chancellor’s Song from Iolanthe was a model of deft economy in suggestive hand gestures as well as the necessary clarity of diction.”
The Arts Desk
“…a voice that’s so pregnant with comic gravitas.”
The Spectator
