Built by Richard D’Oyly Carte, the Savoy Theatre opened on 10th October 1881. Originally, the theatre was going to be called the ‘Beaufort Theatre’, but Carte chose to honour the original Savoy Manor theatre, previously on the site. The Savoy Theatre was purpose-built as the showcase for Gilbert & Sullivan comic operas and the partnership subsequently becoming known as the ‘Savoy Operas’. Plans afoot Although … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury
In 1868 W.S. Gilbert wrote a one-pace illustrated comic piece for ‘Fun’ Magazine. Entitled Trial by Jury, it drew on his experiences as a barrister and satirised the legal system, spoofing a trial over a ‘breach of promise’ arrangement of marriage. When Gilbert was approached by Carl Rosa, composer and opera manager, in the autumn of 1873 to create a … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Dinners
During the years that W. S. Gilbert lived at Grim’s Dyke, dinners were run firmly by Gilbert’s rules. He would always have a pretty woman on either side of him, something he immensely enjoyed and Lady Gilbert would gracefully tolerate. It wasn’t unusual for Grim’s Dyke dinner parties to consist of the family, guests, dogs and lemurs. This provided a … Read More