Skip to content

Questions about Gilbert and Sullivan

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was W. S. Gilbert born and when did Arthur Sullivan die?

W. S. Gilbert was born in London on the 18th of November 1836, and Arthur Sullivan died after their final meeting on the 17th of November 1898.

What year did Richard D'Oyly Carte build the Savoy Theatre for Gilbert and Sullivan?

Richard D'Oyly Carte built the Savoy Theatre in 1881 to serve as the permanent home for the partnership's works.

How many performances did The Mikado run at the Savoy Theatre during its original engagement?

The Mikado ran for 672 performances at the Savoy Theatre from 1885 until it closed, making it the partnership's longest-running hit.

Why did Gilbert and Sullivan stop working together in April 1890?

Disagreements over production expenses led Gilbert to challenge Carte in April 1890, causing him to storm out and end the collaboration with Sullivan.

Which opera company toured nearly year-round for over a century performing only Gilbert and Sullivan operas?

The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company performed exclusively Gilbert and Sullivan operas for over a century before closing in 1982.