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1Pirates of Penzance

By W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan

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 people fall instantly in love. Frederic finds out, however, that he was born on 29 February, and so, technically, he only has a birthday each leap year. His apprenticeship indentures state that he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday, and so he must serve for another 63 years. Bound by his own sense of duty, Frederic's only solace is that Mabel agrees to wait for him faithfully. (Summary from Wikipedia)<br /><br /><strong>Cast</strong><br /> Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2506">Julie VW</a><br /> Frederic: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/103">Karen Savage</a><br /> Pirate King: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4698">StephenC</a><br /> Samuel: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5717">Phil Chenevert</a><br /> Ruth: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6147">Liberty Stump</a><br /> Major-General Stanley: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2768">Kevin S. Mellis</a><br /> Mabel: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/83">Catherine Eastman</a><br /> Edith: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4323">BookAngel7</a><br /> Kate: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/123">Ezwa</a><br /> Isabel: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/77">JemmaBlythe</a><br /> Sergeant of Police: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5719">John Fricker</a><br /> Chorus:<ul><li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/66">Alex Foster</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4323">BookAngel7</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/83">Catherine Eastman</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/123">Ezwa</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6529">Fred DeBerardinis</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4812">Helen Song</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/21">Henry Frigon</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4811">Jane Smith</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/77">JemmaBlythe</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5719">John Fricker</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/103">Karen Savage</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6147">Liberty Stump</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3994">Miriam Esther Goldman</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4698">StephenC</a><br /></li> <li><a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br /></li> </ul>

2Bab Ballads

By W. S. Gilbert

The Bab Ballads are a collection of light verse by W. S. Gilbert, illustrated with his own comic drawings. Gilbert wrote the Ballads before he became famous for his comic opera librettos with Arthur Sullivan. In writing the Bab Ballads, Gilbert developed his unique "topsy-turvy" style, where the humour was derived by setting up a ridiculous premise and working out its logical consequences, however absurd. The Ballads also reveal Gilbert's cynical and satirical approach to humour. They became famous on their own, as well as being a source for plot elements, characters and songs that Gilbert would recycle in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The Bab Ballads take their name from Gilbert's childhood nickname, and he later began to sign his illustrations "Bab". (summary from Wikipedia)

3More Bab Ballads

By W. S. Gilbert

This is a subset of the second collection of Gilbert’s “Bab Ballads” – light verses poking fun at the life and people of his time in Gilbert’s unique “topsy-turvey” style. The epitaph on his memorial on the Victoria Embankment in London is “HIS FOE WAS FOLLY AND HIS WEAPON WIT”, an epitaph amply exemplified in these verses. (Summary by Graham Redman)

4Ghosts' High Noon

By W. S. Gilbert

LibriVox volunteers bring you 19 recordings of The Ghosts' High Noon by W. S. Gilbert. This was the Weekly Poetry HALLOWE'EN project for October 24th, 2010.

5Narrative of Sojourner Truth

By Olive Gilbert and Sojourner Truth

The Narrative of Sojourner Truth is the gripping autobiographical account of Sojourner Truths life as a slave in pre-Civil War New York State, and her eventual escape to Freedom. Since Sojourner could neither read or write, she dictated her story to Olive Gilbert after they met at a Women’s Rights rally. The Narrative was first published in 1850, and was widely distributed by the Abolitionist Movement. It was one of the catalysts for the rise of anti-slavery public opinion in the years leading up to the Civil War. Though Olive Gilbert's writing about Sojourner takes on a patronizing tone at times (a weakness of some Abolitionists), The Narrative of Sojourner Truth remains a moving and historic document, chronicling the struggles of African-Americans under slavery and the life of a truly remarkable woman. (Introduction by Marc Kockinos)

6King Arthur's Knights: The Tales Retold for Boys & Girls

By Henry Gilbert

This book is an attempt to tell some of the stories of King Arthur and his Knights in a way which will be interesting to every boy and girl who loves adventures. (Introduction by Henry Gilbert)

7O Hollow Hollow Hollow

By W. S. Gilbert

LibriVox volunteers bring you 17 recordings of O Hollow Hollow Hollow by W.S. Gilbert. This was the Weekly Poetry project for January 8, 2012.<br><br>Here is a poem by the "fleshly" poet, Bunthorne, from the opera Patience, by Gilbert and Sullivan. Who better to introduce it than the poet himself:<br><br>BUNTHORNE. It is a wild, weird, fleshy thing; yet very tender, very yearning, very precious. It is called, "Oh, Hollow! Hollow! Hollow!"<br>PATIENCE Is it a hunting song?<br>BUNTHORNE. A hunting song? No, it is not a hunting song. It is the wail of the poet's heart on discovering that everything is commonplace. To understand it, cling passionately to one another and think of faint lilies.<br><br>Bunthorne was considered to have been modelled on Oscar Wilde, but more recent research has suggested that this claim is not correct. ( Summary by Algy Pug )

The Mikado is the ninth of the 14 Gilbert and Sullivan musical collaborations. It opened in 1885, had the second longest run for any work of musical theatre of the time, and remains the most frequently performed Gilbert and Sullivan. It was adapted as a children's book by W. S. Gilbert entitled The Story of The Mikado, which was Gilbert's last literary work (and published posthumously). It is a retelling of The Mikado, with various changes to simplify language or make it more suitable for children.<br><br>This is that children's book. No singing or any of Sullivan's music, just Gilbert's witty words laid out - by him - in prose and poetry with amusing asides.<br><br>The Forward mentions some illustrations by Alice B. Woodward in the hard copy, and they are lovely. They can be seen by following the e-text link to the actual scanned book if you wish.<br><br>(Summary by Wikipedia and ToddHW)

9Disagreeable Man

By W. S. Gilbert

LibriVox volunteers bring you 26 recordings of The Disagreeable Man by Sir W. S. Gilbert. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for June 10, 2012.<br><br>The Bab Ballads are a collection of light verse by W. S. Gilbert, illustrated with his own comic drawings. Gilbert wrote the Ballads before he became famous for his comic opera librettos with Arthur Sullivan. In writing the Bab Ballads, Gilbert developed his unique "topsy-turvy" style, where the humour was derived by setting up a ridiculous premise and working out its logical consequences, however absurd. The Ballads also reveal Gilbert's cynical and satirical approach to humour. They became famous on their own, as well as being a source for plot elements, characters and songs that Gilbert would recycle in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The Bab Ballads take their name from Gilbert's childhood nickname, and he later began to sign his illustrations "Bab".<br><br>Nothing else quite like the Ballads has ever been produced in the English language. They contain both satire and nonsense, as well as a great deal of utter absurdity. The Ballads were read aloud at private dinner-parties, public banquets and even in the House of Lords. The ballads have been much published, and there are even recordings of readings of some of them. ( Summary by Wikipedia )

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 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 Sullivan's fourth operatic collaboration and their first international sensation. This is not that opera.<br><br>It was adapted as a children's book by W. S. Gilbert entitled The Story of HMS Pinafore, or The Pinafore Picture Book, and includes some lovely illustrations by Alice B. Woodward that can be seen by following the archive.org link to the actual scanned book if you wish. No singing or any of Sullivan's music, just Gilbert's witty words laid out - by him - in prose and poetry with amusing asides.<br><br>(Summary by Wikipedia and ToddHW)

Sweethearts is a comic play billed as a "dramatic contrast" in two acts by W. S. Gilbert. The play tells a sentimental and ironic story of the differing recollections of a man and a woman about their last meeting together before being separated and reunited after 30 years. (Summary by Wikipedia)<br /><br /><strong>Cast</strong><br />Harry Spreadbrow: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br />Jenny Northcott: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6544">Amanda Friday</a><br />Wilcox: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3657">Bellona Times</a><br />Ruth: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br />Narrator: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8466">Chris Cartwright</a><br /><br /><strong>Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett</strong>

12Mikado, Or The Town Of Titipu

By W. S. Gilbert

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 Mikado; or, The Town of Titipu is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert, their ninth of fourteen operatic collaborations. It opened on 14 March 1885, in London, where it ran at the Savoy Theatre for 672 performances, which was the second longest run for any work of musical theatre and one of the longest runs of any theatre piece up to that time. Before the end of 1885, it was estimated that, in Europe and America, at least 150 companies were producing the opera. The Mikado remains the most frequently performed Savoy Opera, and it is especially popular with amateur and school productions. The work has been translated into numerous languages and is one of the most frequently played musical theatre pieces in history. Setting the opera in Japan, an exotic locale far away from Britain, allowed Gilbert to satirise British politics and institutions more freely by disguising them as Japanese - Summary by Wikipedia and david wales

13H.M.S. Pinafore; Or, The Lass That Loved A Sailor

By W. S. Gilbert

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. <br /><br /> 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 Sullivan's fourth operatic collaboration and their first international sensation.<br /><br /> The story takes place aboard the British ship HMS Pinafore. The captain's daughter, Josephine, is in love with a lower-class sailor, Ralph Rackstraw, although her father intends her to marry Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty. She abides by her father's wishes at first, but Sir Joseph's advocacy of the equality of humankind encourages Ralph and Josephine to overturn conventional social order. They declare their love for each other and eventually plan to elope. The captain discovers this plan, but, as in many of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, a surprise disclosure changes things dramatically near the end of the story.<br /><br /> Drawing on several of his earlier "Bab Ballad" poems, Gilbert imbued this plot with mirth and silliness. The opera's humour focuses on love between members of different social classes and lampoons the British class system in general. Pinafore also pokes good-natured fun at patriotism, party politics, the Royal Navy, and the rise of unqualified people to positions of authority. The title of the piece comically applies the name of a garment for girls and women, a pinafore, to the fearsome symbol of a naval warship.<br /><br /> Pinafore's extraordinary popularity in Britain, America and elsewhere was followed by the similar success of a series of Gilbert and Sullivan works, including The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. Their works, later known as the Savoy operas, dominated the musical stage on both sides of the Atlantic for more than a decade and continue to be performed today. The structure and style of these operas, particularly Pinafore, were much copied and contributed significantly to the development of modern musical theatre.<br /> - Summary by Wikipedia and david wales

14Pirates Of Penzance; Or The Slave Of Duty (Version 2)

By W. S. Gilbert

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 people fall instantly in love. Frederic finds out, however, that he was born on 29 February, and so, technically, he only has a birthday each leap year. His apprenticeship indentures state that he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday, and so he must serve for another 63 years. Bound by his own sense of duty, Frederic's only solace is that Mabel agrees to wait for him faithfully. Pirates remains popular today, taking its place along with The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore as one of the most frequently played Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Penzance is a vacation and resort area at the western tip of Cornwall. A comparable modern title of the opera might be The Pirates of the Club Med. - Summary by Wikipedia and david wales

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)<br><br> <b>Cast:</b><br> Reginald Bunthorne: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">Todd</a><br> Archibald Grosvenor: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8164">Rob Board</a><br> Colonel Calverley: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9647">Joseph Tabler</a><br> Major Murgatroyd: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7848">bala</a><br> Lieut. The Duke of Dunstable: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Patience: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4145">Patti Cunningham</a><br> The Lady Angela: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6544">Amanda Friday</a><br> The Lady Jane: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9123">Shakira Searle</a><br> The Lady Saphir: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7679">Libby Gohn</a><br> The Lady Ella: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8883">Lydia</a><br> Lady: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br> Dragoon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9905">Hamlet</a><br> Narrator and Chorus: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6281">Beth Thomas</a><br><br> <b>Audio edited by <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">Todd</a> and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8072">Kimberly Krause</a>

16Bab Ballads (version 2)

By W. S. Gilbert

The Bab Ballads are a collection of light verse by W. S. Gilbert, illustrated with his own comic drawings. Gilbert wrote the Ballads before he became famous for his comic opera librettos with Arthur Sullivan. In writing the Bab Ballads, Gilbert developed his unique "topsy-turvy" style, where the humor was derived by setting up a ridiculous premise and working out its logical consequences, however absurd. The Ballads also reveal Gilbert's cynical and satirical approach to humor. They became famous on their own, as well as being a source for plot elements, characters and songs that Gilbert would recycle in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The Bab Ballads take their name from Gilbert's childhood nickname, and he later began to sign his illustrations "Bab".<br /><br /> Nothing else quite like the Ballads has ever been produced in the English language. They contain both satire and nonsense, as well as a great deal of utter absurdity. The Ballads were read aloud at private dinner-parties, public banquets and even in the House of Lords. Summary by Wikipedia and Phil Chenevert

17Iolanthe

By W. S. Gilbert

Iolanthe is a fairy banished from fairyland for the crime of marrying a mortal. Her half-fairy, half-human son Strephon is a fairy down to the waist, but his legs are human. He loves Phyllis, but she is courted by the whole House of Lords and the Lord High Chancellor himself! Strephon decides the only way to win his love is to go into Parliament, with the help of his mother and all his fairy aunts. None of them understand politics, but that doesn't matter. He will soon make some changes, starting with throwing the Peerage open to competitive examination! But how will Phyllis react when she catches Strephon with an impossibly young and very beautiful lady who he claims is his fairy mother? <br><br>This is a spoken "poetic" version of the libretto written by W. S. Gilbert, where a full cast of voices brings the sparkling wit of Gilbert to the fore, and will enhance understanding and appreciation of this comic light opera. (Summary by Beth Thomas) <br><br> Narrator/Phyllis: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6281">Beth Thomas</a><br> Strephon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9123">Shakira Searle</a><br> Queen of the Fairies: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10494">Jennifer Fournier</a><br> The Lord Chancellor: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9905">Hamlet</a><br> Iolanthe: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6548">Kristin Gjerløw</a><br> Celia: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8883">Lydia</a><br> Leila: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9442">Vanessa Cooley</a><br> Fleta: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9883">J. E. Vorble</a><br> Earl of Mountararat: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8164">Rob Board</a><br> Earl of Tolloller: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">Todd</a><br> Private Willis: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Chorus Fairies: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8677">K. Hand</a> and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9881">Roohi Haq</a><br> Chorus Peers: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10396">John Burlinson</a> and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br><br> Audio edited by <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6548">Kristin Gjerløw</a>

18Poetry Everywhere

By W. S. Gilbert

Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was an English dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator best known for the fourteen comic operas (known as the Savoy operas) produced in collaboration with the composer Sir Arthur Sullivan. The most famous of these include H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and one of the most frequently performed works in the history of musical theatre, The Mikado.<br /><br /> Gilbert also wrote the Bab Ballads, an extensive collection of light verse accompanied by his own comical drawings. His creative output included over 75 plays and libretti, numerous stories, poems, lyrics and various other comic and serious pieces. His plays and realistic style of stage direction inspired other dramatists, including Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw. According to The Cambridge History of English and American Literature, Gilbert's "lyrical facility and his mastery of metre raised the poetical quality of comic opera to a position that it had never reached before and has not reached since" - Summary by Wikipedia

19Ballad: A Manager's Perplexities

By W. S. Gilbert

Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was an English dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator best known for the fourteen comic operas (known as the Savoy operas) produced in collaboration with the composer Sir Arthur Sullivan.<br /><br /> Gilbert also wrote the Bab Ballads, an extensive collection of light verse accompanied by his own comical drawings. His creative output included over 75 plays and libretti, numerous stories, poems, lyrics and various other comic and serious pieces. His plays and realistic style of stage direction inspired other dramatists, including Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw. - Summary by Wikipedia

20Mikado, Or The Town of Titipu (version 2)

By W. S. Gilbert

In the town of Titipu, flirting is punishable by death on the command of the Mikado himself! But what happens when the Lord High Executioner is himself condemned to die? And what secret does the wandering minstrel Nanki-Poo hide, that the Mikado and his entire entourage come to witness his execution? <br><br>"The Mikado" premiered in 1885, when it broke all records for the longest-running musical. It remains arguably the most popular of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. Occasionally described as "English ladies with knitting needles in their hair", Gilbert disguised his criticism of British politics by the (ostensibly) Japanese setting. The universal themes of love and death have kept this opera in constant production for over 125 years.<br><br>The Mikado of Japan: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br>Nanki-Poo: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br>Ko-Ko, Lord High Executioner: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12272">RussellEric</a><br>Pooh-Bah, Lord High Everything Else: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/167">Peter Yearsley</a><br>Pish-Tush: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br>Yum-Yum: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4174">Availle</a><br>Pitti-Sing: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6281">Beth Thomas</a><br>Peep-Bo: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8886">Esther ben Simonides</a><br>Katisha: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11790">TJ Burns</a><br>Chorus: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9446">Adele de Pignerolles</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7079">Chuck Williamson</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11651">DrPGould</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7356">Rachel</a>, <br>Stage Directions read by: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7510">Kathrine Engan</a><br><br><b>Audio Edited by:</b> <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11084">Devorah Allen</a><br><br> - Summary by Beth Thomas

21Usher's Charge

By W. S. Gilbert

Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was an English dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator best known for the fourteen comic operas (known as the Savoy operas) produced in collaboration with the composer Sir Arthur Sullivan. The most famous of these include H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and one of the most frequently performed works in the history of musical theatre, The Mikado. In 1890, Gilbert produced Songs of a Savoyard, (the source of this Weekly Poem), a volume of sixty-nine detached lyrics from the Savoy Operas, each with a new title, and some of them slightly reworded to account for the changed context. - Summary by Wikipedia

22Narrative of Sojourner Truth (version 2)

By Olive Gilbert and Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth (born Isabella Baumfree) was born into slavery in 1797 (or thereabouts) in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York. This narrative, as told by Sojourner Truth to her friend Olive Gilbert, recounts to the best of her recollection what she and her family endured while they were the legal property of other human beings. These life experiences served as the catalysts for her becoming, in her later years, an outspoken abolutionist and women's rights activist. Her forgiving attitude toward those who once treated her and her loved ones with such cruelty is an example for all who would aspire to heal and move on from traumatizing life experiences. The voice of Olive Gilbert comes through in this narrative, and together, she and Sojourner Truth build a compelling case against slavery. - Summary by Holly Jenson

23Rebel Verses

By Bernard Gilbert

Mr. Bernard Gilbert is one of the discoveries of the War. For years, it seems, he has been writing poetry, but it is only recently that an inapprehensive country has awakened to the fact. Now he is taking his rightful place among our foremost singers. What William Barnes was to Dorset, what T. E. Brown was to the Manx people—this is Mr. Gilbert to the folk of his native county of Lincoln. He has interpreted their lives, their sorrows, their aspirations, with a surprising fidelity. Mr. Gilbert never loses his grip upon realities. One feels that he knows the men of whom he writes in their most intimate moods; knows, too, their defects, which he does not shrink from recording. There is little of the dreamy idealism of the South in the peasant people of Lincolnshire. The outwardly respectable chapel-goer who asks himself, in a moment of introspection<br> But why not have a good time here?<br> Why should the Devil have all the beer?<br> is true to type. But he has, too, his softer moods. Fidelity in friendship, courage, resource and perseverance—these are typical of the men of the Fens. - Summary by The New Witness, 1918

24Etiquette

By W. S. Gilbert

Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was an English dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator best known for the fourteen comic operas (known as the Savoy operas) produced in collaboration with the composer Arthur Sullivan. The most famous of these include H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and one of the most frequently performed works in the history of musical theatre, The Mikado.<br> Gilbert's creative output included over 75 plays and libretti, and numerous short stories, poems and lyrics, both comic and serious. After brief careers as a government clerk and a lawyer, Gilbert began to focus, in the 1860s, on writing light verse, including his Bab Ballads, short stories, theatre reviews and illustrations, often for Fun magazine. ( Wikipedia)

25Gondoliers

By W. S. Gilbert

In typical Gilbert and Sullivan "Topsy Turvy" style, the King of Barataria has gone missing! He was stolen as a baby and raised in secrecy as one of two gondoliers (nobody knows which) and his wife would like very much to know where he is! The Grand Inquisitor appears in Venice to take both Gondoliers to a life of luxury and rulership - but is dismayed to discover that both are reluctant to leave their wives behind. Somehow two husbands have managed to acquire three wives, and nobody is happy at the idea of marrying a vulgar fraction! <br><br> This is a spoken "poetic" version of the libretto written by W. S. Gilbert, where a full cast of voices brings the sparkling wit of Gilbert to the fore, and will enhance understanding and appreciation of this comic light opera. (Summary by Beth Thomas) <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> The Duke of Plaza-Toro: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Luiz: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a><br> Don Alhambra del Bolero: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Marco Palmieri: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13022">Josh Kibbey</a><br> Giuseppe Palmieri: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br> Antonio/Annibale: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12874">Aaron White</a><br> Francesco/Giorgio: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/251">Mark Nelson</a><br> The Duchess of Plaza-Toro: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12500">Foon</a><br> Cassilda: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6281">Beth Thomas (1974-2020)</a><br> Gianetta : <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10614">Leanne Yau</a><br> Tessa: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11790">TJ Burns</a><br> Fiametta: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12570">Maria de Fátima da Silva</a><br> Vittoria: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12506">Bhavya</a><br> Giulia: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13012">Naomi Madeleine</a><br> Inez : <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/5244">Crln Yldz Ksr</a><br> Narrator: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8028">Tom Geller</a><br> Editor: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/251">Mark Nelson</a>

Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan fame also wrote non-musical plays without Sullivan as a partner. Here is a dramatic play far afield from the comedy musicals we often think of when we hear Gilbert's name: Prince Florian of Spain arrives on The Island of Broken Hearts, peopled by "we maidens all (save one [their dwarf protector]) [who] have dearly loved, and those we loved have died. We, broken hearts, knit by the sympathy of kindred woe, have sought this isle far from the ken of man; and having loved, and having lost our loves, stand pledged to love no living thing again." Fairies and magic lead to self-understanding, showing that Gilbert can well handle more serious material than you may think. - Summary by ToddHW <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Prince Florian: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br> Mousta, a deformed dwarf: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> The Lady Hilda: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10179">Sonia</a><br> The Lady Vavir, her sister: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6319">thestorygirl</a><br> The Lady Melusine: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11417">Eva Davis</a><br> The Lady Amanthis: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140">Jenn Broda</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12075">MichaelMaggs</a><br> Editing: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a>

This comedy is by Gilbert on his own without Sullivan. "Listen to me. You love this girl?" "I love her sir, a'most as weel as I love mysel' !" "Then reflect how you are standing in the way of her prosperity." "Sir, I'm puir on pocket, but I've a rich hairt." - Summary From The Play <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Cheviot Hill, a young man of property: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/5635">Matthew Reece</a><br> Belvawney, his friend: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13940">skypigeon</a><br> Mr. Symperson: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Angus Macalister, a Lowland peasant lad: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Major McGillicuddy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11305">Craig Franklin</a><br> Belinda Treherne: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14477">Emmi Kranz</a><br> Minnie, Symperson's daughter: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140">Jenn Broda</a><br> Mrs. Macfarlane, a Lowland widow: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10179">Sonia</a><br> Maggie, her daughter, a Lowland lassie: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8677">KHand</a><br> Parker, Minnie's maid: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8883">Lydia</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12075">MichaelMaggs</a><br> Editing: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a>

28Magnet and The Churn

By W. S. Gilbert

LibriVox volunteers bring you 21 recordings of The Magnet and The Churn by W. S. Gilbert. <br> This was the Weekly Poetry project for April 26, 2020. <br> ------<br> A bit of frivolity in these trying times. This Weekly Poem is taken from Bab Ballads and Savoy Songs by W. S. Gilbert. - Summary by David Lawrence

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 <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Mr Harry Spreadbrow: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8164">Rob Marland</a><br> Wilcox, a Gardener: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Miss Jenny Northcott: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140">Jenn Broda</a><br> Ruth, a Maidservant: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10179">Sonia</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12075">MichaelMaggs</a><br> Editing: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a>

A drama from the Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan. Pursued by the Parliamentary Army after the Battle of Worcester, some Royalist soldiers take cover in Dan'l Druce's hut on the Norfolk Coast until they can escape. An event with long shadows that come back to disturb his life fourteen years later. - Summary by ToddHW <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Sir Jasper Combe, a Royalist Colonel: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14426">Andrew James</a><br> Dan'l Druce: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13577">Adrian Stephens</a><br> Reuben Haines, a Royalist Sergeant: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Geoffrey Wynyard, a Merchant Sailor: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br> Marple: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Joe Ripley, a Fisherman: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8879">Son of the Exiles</a><br> Sergeant of the Parliamentary Army: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a><br> Soldier of the Parliamentary Army: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10542">David Purdy</a><br> Dorothy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140">Jenn Broda</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10179">Sonia</a><br> Editing: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a>

About as far from a rollicking Gilbert and Sullivan musical as you can get: this is Gilbert's tragic version of Goethe's Faust. - Summary by ToddHW <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Dominic: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10542">David Purdy</a><br> Anselm: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Faustus: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11484">Mike Manolakes</a><br> Gottfried: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11585">Kurt</a><br> Mephisto: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Agatha: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14467">Diane Castillo</a><br> Bessie: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15016">Kathi M. Walsheck</a><br> Barbara: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11790">TJ Burns</a><br> Lisa: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13852">Kelly S. Taylor</a><br> Gretchen: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140">Jenn Broda</a><br> Martha: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10179">Sonia</a><br> Friedrich: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10542">David Purdy</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13577">Adrian Stephens</a><br> Editing: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a>

Two brothers, born into money and power, are as cruel as the feudal age in which they live. But when the oppressed villagers seek help from a sorcerer, the wicked barons just may have met their match… <br><br> This tale features a relatively early example in English fiction of a vampire and was first published in The Argosy in 1867. - Summary by Newgatenovelist

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!"<BR><BR> 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 their favor instead of the old Tom's? Comedy done well. - Summary by ToddHW <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Colonel O'Fipp, an Irish Adventurer: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10737">Aiken</a><br> Tom Cobb, Young Surgeon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15521">Dalerobbins</a><br> Whipple, Young Surgeon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13577">Adrian Stephens</a><br> Matilda O'Fipp, the Colonel's Daughter: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15433">HelenaDiamandiz</a><br> Mr. Effingham, member of a romantic family: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Mrs. Effingham, member of a romantic family: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15373">WendyKatzHiller</a><br> Bulstrode Effingham, member of a romantic family: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Caroline Effingham, member of a romantic family: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15380">Annie Mars</a><br> Biddy: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/5468">ashleighjane</a><br> Footman: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14540">Andrew Gaunce</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15490">awonski</a><br> Editing: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br>

Alexis Pointdextre gets his family sorcerer to brew up a love potion. But what happens when it gets out of control? This two act operetta was a success and convinced Gilbert and Sullivan (sorry - no music in our recording of this) to go ahead and collaborate on H.M.S. Pinafore the next year. - Summary by ToddHW <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, an elderly Baronet: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14361">Andrew Kennedy</a><br> Alexis, of the Grenadier Guards - his son: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/14016">rwraptor</a><br> Dr. Daly, Vicar of Ploverleigh: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11331">Scotty Smith</a><br> John Wellington Wells, of J. W. Wells and Co., Family Sorcerers: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Notary: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15193">Tchaikovsky</a><br> Lady Sangazure, a Lady of ancient lineage: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15747">April Mendis</a><br> Aline, her daughter - betrothed to Alexis: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15380">Annie Mars</a><br> Mrs. Partlet, a Pew-Opener: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11790">TJ Burns</a><br> Constance, her daughter: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/13140">Jenn Broda</a><br> Page: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11059">Lauren-Emma Blake</a><br> Chorus - Female: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16409">Mira Williams</a><br> Chorus - Male: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7026">Michele Eaton</a><br> Editing: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br>

35Pinafore Picture Book: The Story Of H.M.S. Pinafore (Version 2)

By W. S. Gilbert

Pinafore’s sublimely silly story is made even sillier by this (ostensibly for children) 1908 story version of the 1878 Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Gilbert, the author of the operetta’s lyrics, writes this version of the story with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek. Most adults and children will find this version vastly amusing. - Summary by David Wales