The Productions: Mikado in London
After the completion of Princess Ida, Sullivan resolved to write no more operas with Gilbert. When Gilbert proposed a plot for a new opera that was unacceptable to Sullivan, a series of painful communications between them threatened to end their partnership. In time, each partner modified his position, and when Gilbert presented Sullivan with the outline for a new Japanese opera, Sullivan saw in it an acceptable and desirable new direction. The Mikado (1885) was a showcase for their respective geniuses, and the opera is generally considered a masterpiece of collaboration. The Mikado was hugely successful in London and on provincial tour, and Carte sent productions to Germany in 1886-7 and 1887-8.
[Souvenir program]. Berlin: Kroll’s Theatre [1886-7]. Der Mikado.
D’Oyly Carte’s "G" Company German tour. Designed by Alice Havers.
[Cabinet photograph]. London: Barraud, [1885]. "Three Little Maids From School Are We."
Sybil Grey, Leonora Braham and Jessie Bond in the original production of The Mikado.
W. S. Gilbert. The Mikado. London: Chappell & Co., [1885].
Title page of the first edition of the libretto. Gilbert made important textual changes in his librettos up until the last minute and also made revisions during the few days following opening nights.
[Print]. Hamburg: F.A. Dahlstrom, 1888. "Aren’t we three nice little maids?" by C.W. Allers.
One print in a portfolio titled Bunte Welt von C.W. Allers. The print depicts backstage life at a D’Oyly Carte performance in Hamburg.
[Program]. London: Savoy Theatre, [1885]. Original production of The Mikado.