Thespis was a Christmas entertainment operatic extravaganza, produced by John Hollingshead. He bought together W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan for their first collaboration. John Hollingshead has been the lessee of the Gaiety Theatre since 1868, successfully producing several musical burlesques and operettas. It was also the largest of five London theatres known to show the works of Gilbert & Sullivan, … Read More
The Gaiety Theatre
The Gaiety Theatre was built in 1864, on the former site of the Lyceum Theatre. Originally established as the Strand Musick Hall, it took four years to become known as the Gaiety Theatre. John Hollingshead Under the management of John Hollingshead, the Gaiety Theatre was known for musical burlesque, pantomime and operetta performances. It was also synonymous with being a … Read More
The Savoy Theatre – home of Gilbert & Sullivan
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
The cultural influences of Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert & Sullivan were well-known for their comedy operas, with the likes of ‘Pirates of Penzance’ and ‘Iolanthe’. They appealed to the audiences of their time, due in part, to the successful partnership of Gilbert’s lyrical genius & the musical composition of Sullivan. However, their operas were more than great shows – they also influenced our culture, from politics through to advertising. Gilbert & … Read More
Great sporting moments of The British Masters
Originally founded in 1946 and entitled ‘The Dunlop Masters’, The British Masters will be coming to The Grove in Hertfordshire, this year. As we, at the Grim’s Dyke Hotel, are only a short distance away (under ten miles away), we thought we’d celebrate some of the great sporting moments it has seen so far. Great sporting moments of The British Masters The original great … Read More
Bring your Little Ones on a Magical Adventure
Bring your Little Ones to Grim’s Dyke for a spellbinding adventure Join Claudia for a magical family storywalk around the grounds of Grims Dyke hotel and gardens on Bank Holiday Monday May 30th at 10.30 am. Stopping at different features in the grounds, local storyteller, Claudia Mernick will entertain both children and adults with tales of fairies, giants, trolls, animals, and … Read More
The British Masters: Great sporting doubles
The British Masters has a history going back 70 years. Originally the Dunlop-Metropolitan Tournament, which then continued as The Dunlop Masters, The British Masters is a prestigious and professional golfing tournament that has had many sponsors – from the original Dunlop, right through to present day Sky Sports. For 2016 The Masters is returning to The Grove in Hertfordshire. It’s the … Read More
Murder mysteries – why we love them!
One of the most popular entertainment nights we host at Grim’s Dyke hotel, is our comedy Murder Mystery evenings. You get to enjoy a 3-course meal with wine, whilst also turning amateur sleuth, as you watch a full performance from a cast of 6 or 7 professional actors. But why do we British love a good murder mystery – especially as we didn’t even invent them? … Read More
Filming locations: Grim’s Dyke and your home…?
Grim’s Dyke has been a much sought-after filming location for the last 40 plus years. Known for its Gothic-influenced Victorian architecture, typical English interior décor and 40 acres of beautiful garden and woodland, it’s little wonder film and TV production companies want to take advantage – but could your home be used as a film location too? Renting your property … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Gondoliers’
The twelfth savoy opera written by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan was entitled ‘Gondoliers’ (also known as ‘The King of Barataria’). The satire within this opera was firmly focused on two of Gilbert’s fascinations –class distinction and the absurd convergence of natural persons with the legal system. Gilbert avoided major criticism from the British nobility and monarchy, by setting this … Read More