British adventure TV series The Champions may only have had 30 episodes broadcast, but it was one of the many programmes that used Grimâs Dyke as a filming location. It starred Stuart Damon, Alexandra Bastedo and William Gaunt as agents for a fictional United Nations Law Enforcement organisation called Nemesis, based in Geneva. The premise of the show was that the heroes had perfected human abilities, … Read More
W.S. Gilbertâs Dulcamara
Dulcamara, otherwise known as The Little Duck and the Great Quack, was W.S. Gilbertâs first piece of stage-work. It came about through a chance conversation between Tom Robertson and Miss Herbert, lessee of Saint Jamesâs Theatre in London. Miss Herbert was after a Christmas piece – the only downside was she needed it written in a fortnight! Dulcamara, or The … Read More
Grimâs Dyke and The Cry of The Banshee
Grimâs Dyke has a rich history. Not only has it been home to several influential people, including W.S. Gilbert, itâs architecture has a rich history too. Itâs unique blend of Victorian, Tudor and Gothic styling, along with its remote location, make it an ideal location for several different film niches â including horror. The Cry of The Banshees Filming for … Read More
Pen pals of W.S. Gilbert
W.S. Gilbert loved writing letters. From the short to long, plain to illustrated, he loved to put his thoughts and opinions down on paper to share with friends and confidants. He would always show a notable, if ironic, courtesy to the recipient of his words, regardless of whether they were friend or foe. His letters gave a glimpse into his … Read More
Grim’s Dyke and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Starring Maggie Smith, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was a 1969 British Drama film, based on the novel by Muriel Spark and distributed by Twentieth Century-Fox Productions Limited. Although it only achieved moderate success, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was nominated for several awards and won several others. Telling the story of a liberated young school teacher teaching … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan Reunited over Utopia, Limited
Following on from the infamous âcarpet quarrelâ, Gilbert and Sullivan had gone their separate ways. However, Carte and his wife worked unsuccessfully, to reconcile the pair. In 1891. Tom Chappell stepped in to mediate and, two weeks later, they reconciled. This resulted in two more operas – Utopia, Limited being one of them. Production on Utopia, Limited Work didnât immediately … Read More
John Harvey, W.S. Gilbert and the boat that bonded them
John Harvey was a yacht builder from Essex. Father to actor, Sir Martin Harvey, he designed and built W.S. Gilbertâs second boat – the Chloris, a 110 ton yawl with a lead keel. During the spring of 1881 W.S. Gilbert spent a lot of time corresponding with John Harvey about his new yacht. It was nearly twice the size of … Read More
Victorian Calling Cards and their place in society
Social interaction was a very formal affair for Victorian England. Calling Cards played an important role in the social etiquette of the time. There were strict etiquette rules, not just around how you socialised but also how you used calling cards too! The idea of using calling cards wasnât just reserved for the upper-class Victorians. Early examples go back as … Read More
Brantinghame Hall
Brantinghame Hall was a four-act serious drama, written by W.S. Gilbert for his friend Rutland Barrington. Barrington was leasing St. Jamesâs Theatre and need to increase audience figures, so Gilbert resurrected an old play that hadnât previously been produced. Brantinghame Hall was sentimental and had a few good comedy scenes, so Gilbert modified it for Barrington, so he could place it at … Read More
Victorian Composer Frederic Clay
English composer Frederic Clay, was a great friend of Arthur Sullivan, who he subsequently introduced to W.S. Gilbert at the Gallery. Together, Clay and Gilbert produced four comic operas, before a stroke paralysed Clay at the age of 44 and cut short his productive life. Cay died in 1889, aged 51 when he was found drowned in the bath at … Read More