Gilbert and Sullivan

Gilbert and Sullivan refers to the Victorian-era theatrical partnership of the librettist W. S. Gilbert (1836–1911) and the composer Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900).

The two men collaborate on fourteen comic operas between 1871 and 1896, of which H.M.S.

Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado are among the best known.

Gilbert, who writes the words, creates fanciful "topsy-turvy" worlds for these operas where each absurdity is taken to its logical conclusion—fairies rub elbows with British lords, flirting is a capital offense, gondoliers ascend to the monarchy, and pirates turn out to be noblemen who have gone wrong.

Sullivan, six years Gilbert's junior, composes the music, contributing memorable melodies that can convey both humor and pathos.

Their operas have enjoyed broad and enduring international success and are still performed frequently throughout the English-speaking world.

Gilbert and Sullivan introduce innovations in content and form that directly influence the development of musical theater through the 20th century.The operas have also influenced political discourse, literature, film and television and have been widely parodied and pastiched by humorists.

Producer Richard D'Oyly Carte brings Gilbert and Sullivan together and nurtures their collaboration.

He builds the Savoy Theatre in 1881 to present their joint works (which come to be known as the Savoy Operas) and founds the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, which performs and promotes Gilbert and Sullivan's works for over a century.

No related events match the current filters.