By Timothy Knapman
With music by Arthur Sullivan and Lyrics by WS Gilbert
Gilbert and Sullivan are giants in the history of musical theatre. World famous in their lifetimes, they are, if anything, even more popular now. Their comic operas are timeless masterpieces of ‘topsy-turvy’: each a little world of enchanted nonsense, brimming with hilarity, satire and immortal songs.
But their collaboration was, famously, a stormy one. This witty and elegant play explores what made them such a combustible mixture. As Sullivan calls upon Gilbert one last time, the two men recall their careers together, performing favourite numbers from a host of their works.
An affectionate tribute and a heartfelt celebration of a very particular kind of English genius.
Featuring songs from Iolanthe, HMS Pinafore, The Gondoliers, The Yeomen of the Guard, The Mikado, Princess Ida, Patience, Utopia Unlimited, Ruddigore and The Grand Duke.
First performance:
Maldon Festival of Arts, 2010
King’s Head Theatre, Islington 2011
Directed by David Timson
Produced by Handmade Opera
Starring Colin Baldy as Arthur Sullivan and Kevin West as WS GilbertReviews:
“it worked extremely well as a charming form of both tribute and biography… beautifully done… a genuine warmth for its subjects” Ought To Be Clowns
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Keep in touch:
gilbertandsullivantheplay.com/