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Nestling somewhere between an opera and a musical, operettas (sometimes known as ‘light operas�) became hugely popular towards the end of the nineteenth century, largely thanks to Gilbert and Sullivan’s hit productions. Their enduring popularity has ensured regular modern day revivals. But why were they so popular, and how do we define the quintessential G&S production? This guide will explore the history of the collaboration between W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, the development of their operettas, and the London theatrical scene in which they flourished.

Terminology

• Operetta: A short and usually humorous opera, generally incorporating more spoken dialogue than traditional opera.
• Parody: An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, situation, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.
• Satire: A form of comedy that presents ridiculous extremes in order to make a point about society or human nature.
• Savoy Opera: A style of comic opera that developed in Victorian England in the late nineteenth century. W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were the original and most successful practitioners.

Key Dates & Events

• 1871 - Thespis. Premieres Dec. 26 at The Gaiety Theatre, London.
• 1875 - Trial by Jury. Premieres March 25 at the Royalty Theatre, London.
• 1877 - The Sorcerer. Premieres Nov. 17 at the Opera Comique, London.
• 1878 - H.M.S. Pinafore. Premieres May 25 at the Opera Comique, London.
• 1879 - The Pirates of Penzance. Premieres Dec. 30 at the Bijou Theatre, Paignton. Premieres in New York Dec. 31.
• 1881 - Patience. Premieres April 23 at the Opera Comique, London.
• 1882 - Iolanthe. Premieres Nov. 25 at the Savoy Theatre, London.
• 1884 - Princess Ida. Premieres Jan. 5 at the Savoy Theatre, London.
• 1885 - The Mikado. Premieres Mar. 14 at the Savoy Theatre, London.
• 1887 - Ruddigore. Premieres Jan. 22 at the Savoy Theatre, London.
• 1888 - The Yeomen of the Guard. Premieres Oct. 3 at the Savoy Theatre, London.
• 1889 - The Gondoliers. Premieres Dec. 7 at the Savoy Theatre, London.
• 1893 - Utopia, Limited. Premieres Oct. 7 at the Savoy Theatre, London.
• 1896 - The Grand Duke. Premieres Mar. 7, 1896 at the Savoy Theatre, London.