Image courtesy of: http://hemingways-studio-downloads.blogspot.com/1991_11_01_archive.htm

W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a dynamic duo during the Victorian era that composed 14 comic operas during 1884-1885. Aspects of the Victorian society were used for satire to create operettas that have an influence on popular culture today.

Gilbert, a librettist, wrote stories and poems in his youth and later found unique ideas for stage direction in theatre. He started composing in Britain when he found a way to escape the formality of theatre by providing shorter, more humorous and family orientated operettas. Sullivan, a music composer and the son of a band master was proficient in all his father’s band instruments by the age of 8. He attended the Royal Academy of Music where he refined his musical talent.

Gilbert and Sullivan were introduced by Frederic Clay and 2 years later composed their first comedic opera.  This was the start of a direct effect on musical theatre and popular culture, especially in the English-speaking world.  Their most notable work is said to be, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance. Of which, selections of The Mikado and H.M.S Pinafore have been featured in the popular television series The Simpsons. Gilbert’s lyrics have also guided Broadway lyricists Cole Portand Ira Gershwin.

“Topsy-Turvy” was used by Gilbert to describe the substance these operettas provided. Comically blunt best describes the work of Gilbert and Sullivan. Topsy Turvy, an adapted form of a biographical production of Gilbert and Sullivan is now on stage at the Pieter Toerien Studio Theatre at Montecasino with a unique South African twist until 5 August.