Top 10 Gilbert & Sullivan facts

The wonderful partnership of Gilbert & Sullivan produced memorable comic operas. Although the partnership wasn’t always smooth sailing, it was a lasting friendship. This continued throughout the mens lives right until the end. Theirs was a partnership that had a massive impact on boosting the career of both men. And helped shape the future of musical theatre.

Discover our ten top facts that beautifully illustrate how important this friendship was to both men, the world of theatre and art.

Fact #1: The partnership produced 14 comic operas

During their 25 year partnership, 14 comic operas were produced. While not every opera was a huge success, they all achieved decent levels of success. With the shortest run being ‘Thespis’ with 63 performances and the longest being ‘The Mikado’ at 672 performances.

Fact #2: It influenced the long-term direction of musical theatre

Both Gilbert & Sullivan’s influence shaped the direction of musical theatre. Their use of rhyming slang, how they treated actors, even their stage management – all things that shaped the future of musical theatre.

Fact #3: The theatre created for their works, still stands to this day

Richard D’Oyly Carte built the Savoy Theatre in London, to present their works. It was the first building to be lit entirely by electricity and was famous for premiering the Savoy Operas. It still stands to this day and continues to present operas, musicals, Shakespeare and non-musicals.

Fact #4: They actually had opposing personalities

Gilbert was confrontational and thin-skinned. He would often poke fun of the wealthy and powerful! Sullivan though, avoided conflict and sought friendship with the very people Gilbert poked fun of.

Fact #5: Their Savoy operas left a lasting legacy

When Carte formed the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, he was able to produce the operas for the partnership. He went on to continue showing the Operas, as well as influencing and licensing their performances, all over the world – enabling them to be enjoyed by everyone.

Fact #6: Gilbert & Sullivan massively influenced popular culture

Common popular phrases originated in the Savoy Operas. Lines from them became popular in British culture.

Fact #7: They even inspired politicians

There have been judges that have added stripes to their robes, following the style of a robe in a Savoy Opera, as well as several politicians basing their speeches on the works of G&S!

Fact #8: Comedy was influenced by their works

Their works have influenced the likes of Monty Python, TV shows such as Yes, Minister, and the way they used wit and satire in their work has inspired many comedy routines.

Fact #9: There’s still an international Gilbert & Sullivan Festival

Since 1994 there’s is an International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival held in August of each year. Originally held in Buxton, Derbyshire, it is now held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with performances of the operas, as well as several fringe events you can attend.

Fact #10: The most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operas are still performed to this day

Thanks to the hard work of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and the Grim’s Dyke Opera, the ever-popular Savoy Operas are still regularly performed today.

To discover the history of the Grim’s Dyke Opera and see what upcoming Gilbert & Sullivan performances will be at the hotel, visit:

Top 10 Gilbert & Sullivan Facts