Like many productions at that theatre, it was written in a broad, burlesque style, considerably different from their later works. It was a success for a Christmas entertainment of the time and closed on 8 March 1872, after a run of 63 performances.
The libretto remains extant but the majority of the music has been lost. Sullivan re-used one of the choruses, which became ‘Climbing over rocky mountain in The Pirates of Penzance, and ‘Little Maid of Arcadee’ became popular as a Victorian parlour song.
Various attempts have been made to stage the piece over the years – often using Sullivan’s music from his other works.
A Royal Visit on 7th February
Learn MoreThe 150th Anniversary co-production of Trial by Jury, in a double bill with a new commission, A Matter of Misconduct by Emma Jenkins and Toby Hession
Learn MoreOur 2025 co-production with Scottish Opera and Opera Holland Park
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