Simon Butteriss examines how a quarrel over the cost of carpet proved fatal to Gilbert & Sullivan's relationship and how the new D'Oyly Carte fell while the Savoy Operas triumphed.

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Gilbert and Sullivan are synonymous for British operetta. This celebrated collaboration has been one of the most successful in music history and yet most music lovers outside the English speaking world just about know of "The Mikado". Of Sullivan's more serious work little or nothing is known and even in the UK almost non of it is performed today. But the operettas resulting from the collaboration with the gifted poet W. S. Gilbert have achieved fame through the D'Oylo Carte company and its successors, the Carl Rosa Opera Company. Time for a close look at what made this unique couple tick.

Simon Butteriss’s in depth look at the works of Gilbert & Sullivan is brought to life in this five part documentary, including commentaries from Michael Ball, Germaine Greer and Dr Jane Glover. Musical and dramatic excerpts illustrate the narrative in addition to some important archive footage and specially recorded performances by our own repertory company, including world renowned G&S soloists like, of course, Simon Butteriss himself.

Original title: "Gilbert and Sullivan - A Motley pair (5/5): Deputy Deities"
Written and presented by Simon Butteriss
Directed by Tony Britten
Produced by Capriol Films

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