Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Mikado” opens in London

W. S. Gilbert contributed the writing and the composer Arthur Sullivan made the music. That was the working relationship of the group known as Gilbert and Sullivan, one of the most prolific opera creators in history. Together they made near fourteen major works, including a story satirizing English high society by the metaphor of Japan.

On this day, March 14, in 1885, the Mikado opened at the Savoy theatre in London. It ran for 672 performances, one of the longest periods in opera history.

The Mikado tells a tale full of intrigue and subterfuge, as befits a pointed parody of British high society at the time. The comic element, added with character names like Yum-Yum and Poo-Bah helped lessen the sting.