Showing results by author "W.S. Gilbert" in All Categories

Tom Cobb: "Why, there's a squalid old pauper idiot, a patient of his, who's got no name of his own, and Whipple [Doctor] christened him "Tom Cobb", because he says he's the ugliest old lunatic he ever saw and reminds him of me. And all the boys in the neighborhood have taken it up, and he's been known as Tom Cobb for the last two years. That's pleasant of Whipple.... One Tom Cobb's enough at a time!" What happens to young Tom if the old Tom dies and all young Tom's bills are now erased since he be dead. But isn't. And if potential heirs of the young Tom decide to submit the young Tom's will in...

A comic operetta which is a satire on the themes of fashion and pretension and hero-worship. Bunthorne is a poet who pretends to be highly "idealised" in order to impress the ladies. They all worship him, except for Patience, the dairy maid, who is the only one he loves. However, his grand plan goes awry with the arrival of Grosvenor who is more idealised and more poetical then he is. The ladies all flock after Grosvenor instead, until Bunthorne curses him with poor fashion sense and stoutness! But will the curse bring Bunthorne his Patience? (Summary by Beth Thomas) Cast: Reginald Bunthorne: ...

Subtitled "An Original Dramatic Contrast", the play presents two neighbors, Harry and Jenny, parting in Act 1 and then meeting again 30 years later in Act 2 after Harry's return from India. - Summary by ToddHW Cast list: Mr Harry Spreadbrow: Rob Marland Wilcox, a Gardener: ToddHW Miss Jenny Northcott: Jenn Broda Ruth, a Maidservant: Sonia Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs Editing: ToddHW

In this recording, one person reads the entire play, all parts, including the stage directions. Even without the support of Arthur Sullivan’s music and the interpretation of actors, the consummate silliness of Gilbert’s libretto entertains. The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. The story concerns Frederic, who, having completed his 21st year, is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tender-hearted pirates. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two young ...

In this whimsical tale, we meet a nameless old pauper, a patient of Doctor Whipple, who has been dubbed Tom Cobb due to his disheveled appearance reminiscent of the doctor himself. The neighborhood has embraced this moniker for two years, but what happens if the old Tom Cobb passes away? Young Tom, who shares the name, faces a peculiar predicament his debts might vanish with the old mans demise, but he’s still very much alive! As potential heirs of the young Tom plot to submit his will in their favor, hilarity ensues. Join us for a delightful romp filled with comedic twists and charming ...

Dive into the whimsical world of Gilbert and Sullivans Topsy Turvy with Gondoliers! When the King of Barataria mysteriously disappears, were taken on a delightful journey through Venice, where two gondoliers—both unaware of their royal lineage—find themselves at the center of a comedic conundrum. As their wives clamor for the truth and the Grand Inquisitor arrives, hilarity ensues when it becomes clear that neither gondolier wants to abandon their beloveds for a life of luxury. With three wives and two husbands entangled in a ridiculous predicament, the notion of marrying a vulgar fraction...

In this captivating recording, a single narrator brings to life the entire play, embodying all characters and even the stage directions. While the absence of Arthur Sullivan’s enchanting music and the flair of live actors may alter the experience, the delightful absurdity of Gilbert’s libretto shines through, providing endless entertainment. The Mikado; or, The Town of Titipu is a comic opera in two acts, crafted by the brilliant duo of Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert, marking their ninth of fourteen operatic collaborations. Premiering on March 14, 1885, in London, the production enjoyed...

Dive into a lesser-known work by the renowned Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, as he steps away from the comedic realm to explore deeper themes in this dramatic play. Broken Hearts unfolds on The Island of Broken Hearts, where Prince Florian of Spain encounters a group of maidens who, bound by their shared sorrow, have sworn off love after experiencing profound loss. With enchanting fairies and a touch of magic, this poignant narrative reveals the resilience of the human spirit and showcases Gilberts remarkable ability to tackle serious subject matter. Join us on this emotional journey of...

Step into the world of Danl Druce, a humble blacksmith caught in the crossfire of history. After the Battle of Worcester, Royalist soldiers seek refuge in his secluded hut on the Norfolk Coast, hiding from the relentless Parliamentary Army. As the echoes of their choices reverberate through the years, Danls life is forever altered by the shadows of that fateful encounter, returning to haunt him fourteen years later. Join us for a gripping tale of loyalty, courage, and the unforeseen consequences of war. - Summary by ToddHW

Step into the whimsical world of Iolanthe, where magic and politics collide in a delightful tale of love and ambition. Our enchanting protagonist, Iolanthe, a fairy exiled from her realm for marrying a mortal, has a son named Strephon who is part fairy, part human. As he navigates the complexities of love for Phyllis—who has caught the eye of the entire House of Lords, including the Lord High Chancellor—Strephon takes a bold step into Parliament with the support of his mother and her mischievous fairy aunts. Though they may lack political savvy, their enchanting presence promises to shake ...

This is the sweet story of a paralyzed man in Venice who sees out of his window a young girl across the way. Unbeknownst to her, she brightens his days over the course of several years, and he begins to fall in love with her. One day he throws out a flower into the canal between them to say "good morning", and she responds in kind. They still haven't spoken a word, but his heart is lifted. Until, that is, the young maid grows up, and the gondolier boys start calling on her.

Dive into the whimsical world of The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty, a delightful comic opera crafted by the brilliant duo of Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert. Join Frederic, who, upon turning 21, is unexpectedly released from his apprenticeship to a band of kind-hearted pirates. His heart soon leads him to Mabel, the charming daughter of Major-General Stanley, and their love story unfolds with comedic twists. However, Frederic discovers a peculiar snag his birthday only comes every leap year on February 29. Bound by an unwitting commitment to the pirates for another 63 years, ...

Dive into the whimsical world of Patience, a delightful comic operetta that cleverly satirizes fashion, pretension, and the phenomenon of hero-worship. Follow the story of Bunthorne, a poet who adopts an exaggeratedly idealized persona to win the admiration of the ladies around him. All are enraptured by his charm, except for Patience, the unassuming dairy maid who holds his heart. The plot thickens with the arrival of Grosvenor, a rival whose charisma and poetic flair outshine Bunthornes. As the women flock to Grosvenor, Bunthorne resorts to cursing him with poor fashion sense and weight gain...

Dive into the whimsical world of H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor, a delightful comic opera penned by the brilliant duo of Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert. Premiering in London on May 25, 1878, this enchanting tale captivated audiences for an impressive 571 performances, marking it as a milestone in musical theatre history. Though this isnt the opera itself, it is a charming adaptation by Gilbert titled The Story of HMS Pinafore, or The Pinafore Picture Book, featuring enchanting illustrations by Alice B. Woodward. Here, you’ll find Gilberts clever prose and poetry, ...

Step into the whimsical world of The Mikado, the beloved ninth collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan. Premiering in 1885, this enchanting musical became a theatrical sensation, boasting the second-longest run of its time and earning its title as the most frequently performed work of Gilbert and Sullivan. W. S. Gilbert later adapted it into a delightful childrens book, The Story of The Mikado, which stands as his final literary contribution, published posthumously. This charming retelling simplifies the original tale, making it accessible and engaging for young readers, with Gilberts ...

The Bab Ballads is a delightful collection of light verse crafted by the talented W. S. Gilbert, featuring his own whimsical comic illustrations. Written before he gained fame for his iconic comic opera librettos with Arthur Sullivan, these Ballads showcase Gilberts innovative topsy-turvy style, where absurd premises lead to hilariously logical consequences. Infused with his signature cynicism and sharp satire, the Ballads not only captivated audiences on their own but also served as a rich source for characters, plot elements, and songs that would later appear in Gilbert and Sullivans operas....

There is something about the number 3. The Ancient Greeks believed 3 was the perfect number, and in China 3 has always been a lucky number, and they know a thing or two. Whatever history and culture says WE think 3, a hat-trick of stories, is a great number to explore themes and literary avenues that classic authors were so adept at creating.