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

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 ...

In a whimsical twist of fate, Alexis Pointdextre enlists the help of his family sorcerer to concoct a love potion. But when the magic spirals out of control, chaos ensues! This captivating two-act operetta not only delighted audiences but also inspired Gilbert and Sullivan (apologies—our recording lacks music) to embark on their collaboration for H.M.S. Pinafore the very next year. - Summary by ToddHW

In this captivating recording, one narrator brings to life the entire play, embodying all characters and stage directions. Even without Arthur Sullivan’s enchanting music and the dynamic performances of actors, the delightful absurdity of Gilbert’s libretto shines through. The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty is a comic opera in two acts that tells the whimsical tale of Frederic, who, upon turning 21, is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tender-hearted pirates. He encounters Mabel, the charming daughter of Major-General Stanley, and they fall deeply in love. However, ...

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...

A collection of the funny, curious verse written during the 19th and 20th centuries, read by some of Britain's most renowned actors. Humorous and whimsical verse are collated together in these timeless readings of poetry from our funniest writers. Performed by Sir John Gielgud; Imogen Stubbs; Tim Pigott-Smith; Peter Orr; Wendy Hillier. 

King Claudius, when a young man, wrote a five-act tragedy which was damned, and all reference to it forbidden under penalty of death. The King has a son - Hamlet - whose tendency to soliloquize has so alarmed his mother, Queen Gertrude, that she has sent for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to devise some Court revels for his entertainment. Rosencrantz is a former lover of Ophelia, to whom Hamlet is betrothed, and they lay their heads together to devise a plan by which Hamlet may be put out of the way. Some Court theatricals are in preparation.

Frederick is freed of his indentures to the ferociously temperate Pirates of Penzance. What will he do with his newfound freedom?

A great collection of short stories based on the theme of love. Stories by famous writers including Katherine Mansfield and Oscar Wilde.

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...

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....

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, ...

Stanley Holloway reads a selection of Gilbert's Bab Ballads, the light verse which when published were accompanied by his own comic drawings.

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.

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

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...

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. H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and a libretto by W. S. Gilbert. It opened at the Opera Comique in London, England, on 25 May 1878 and ran for 571 performances, which was the second-longest run of any musical theatre piece up to that time. H.M.S. Pinafore was Gilbert and ...

Welcome to the whimsical town of Titipu, where flirting could lead to a death sentence at the hands of the Mikado himself! But what unfolds when the Lord High Executioner finds himself facing execution? And what secrets does the wandering minstrel Nanki-Poo keep that draw the Mikado and his entourage to witness his fate? Premiering in 1885, The Mikado shattered records as the longest-running musical and continues to reign as one of Gilbert & Sullivans most beloved operettas. With themes of love and death wrapped in a humorous critique of British politics—set against an (ostensibly) Japanese ...

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.

WS Gilbert – The Bab Ballads. Before Gilbert was part of the famous Gilbert & Sullivan opera team, he wrote light verse that was very odd but arrived at a logical conclusion...we think! Luckily, the joyous Stanley Holloway is on hand to read and make sense of it all.