IMPORTANT: Please note that this guidance pertains to the updated 2027 Musical Theatre Syllabus (for exams taken from 1st January 2027 onwards). For guidance relating to the 2021 Musical Theatre Syllabus (for exams taken before 31st December 2026), please see here: Musical Theatre Exams (Solo / Duo) - 2021 SYLLABUS

Definition: A lighter form of opera, usually with a comic or romantic story, classical-style singing and spoken dialogue between songs. 

Typical features include; legit/classical vocal technique, clear diction, orchestral accompaniment, romantic or comic plots, spoken dialogue, patter songs and sometimes satire. 

Show Examples 

The Pirates of Penzance (Gilbert & Sullivan) 

Male song: Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast? 

Character: Frederic 

Female song: Poor Wand’ring One 

Character: Mabel 

The Mikado (Gilbert & Sullivan) 

Male song: A Wand’ring Minstrel I 

Character: Nanki-Poo 

Female song: The Sun, Whose Rays Are All Ablaze 

Character: Yum-Yum 

The Merry Widow (Franz Lehár) 

Male song: You’ll Find Me At Maxim’s 

Character: Danilo 

Female song: Vilja Song 

Character: Hanna