Built by Richard DâOyly Carte, the Savoy Theatre opened on 10th October 1881. Originally, the theatre was going to be called the âBeaufort Theatreâ, 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 âSavoy Operasâ. Plans afoot Although … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivanâs Trial by Jury
In 1868 W.S. Gilbert wrote a one-pace illustrated comic piece for âFunâ Magazine. Entitled Trial by Jury, it drew on his experiences as a barrister and satirised the legal system, spoofing a trial over a âbreach of promiseâ 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 Grimâs Dyke, dinners were run firmly by Gilbertâs rules. He would always have a pretty woman on either side of him, something he immensely enjoyed and Lady Gilbert would gracefully tolerate. It wasnât unusual for Grimâs Dyke dinner parties to consist of the family, guests, dogs and lemurs. This provided a … Read More