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How to See Gilbert and Sullivan at the Savoy Theatre

William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan collaborated on 14 comic operas, including the world famous "Pirates of Penzance." Richard D'Oyly Carte, a business partner of the writers, built the Savoy Theatre to showcase Gilbert and Sullivan's work and the shows subsequently won fame as the "Savoy Operas." The theatre was the first public building in the world to be entirely lit with electricity. Thankfully, you can still catch one of Gilbert and Sullivan's shows at the Savory today.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your opera. There are 14 Gilbert and Sullivan opera works to decide from. The works include:

      "Thespis"
      "Trial By Jury"
      "The Sorcerer"
      "H.M.S. Pinafore"
      "The Pirates of Penzance"
      "Patience"
      "Iolanthe"
      "Princess Ida"
      "The Mikado"
      "Ruddigore"
      "The Yeomen of The Guard"
      "The Gondoliers"
      "Utopia, Limited"
      "The Grand Duke"

      "Pirates of Penzance" and "The Mikado" are the two most frequently played.

    • 2

      Head to the Savoy Theatre on The Strand, London, for the original Gilbert and Sullivan experience. A seating plan is available for reference at the theatre website (see Resources).

    • 3

      Put aside between £25 and £55 to buy a ticket at the Savoy, plus booking fee. Large groups can often get discounts, especially if they attend matinee performances, so check with the theatre before you book.

    • 4

      Book tickets through the theatre's own website, or by calling the Box Office on 0870 164 87 87. A £3 per transaction booking fee is charged. If you live in London, pop into the box office during working hours to book in person. The address is Savoy Theatre, The Strand, London, WC2R 0ET. The box office open between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

    • 5

      Reach the Savoy Theatre by tube, bus or car. The nearest Tube station is Charing Cross on the Northern and Bakerloo lines; walk East along The Strand when you exit the station to reach the theatre entrance in Savoy Court. There is a carpark nearby in Upper St. Martins lane, so take an A-Z if you're driving. If you don't know London well, it's probably easier and less stressful to take the Tube or a cab than to drive.

    • 6

      Don't forget that The Savoy shows other performances besides the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Keep an eye on the Ambassador Group's theatre website to find out which shows are scheduled for the near future.

    • 7

      Note that regular performance times for the Savoy Theatre are Monday to Saturday evening performances at 7.30 p.m. and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30 p.m. Check your tickets to ensure your show is following schedule. Arrive early to enjoy dinner at the adjacent Savoy Hotel, or have a pre-show drink in one of the four theatre bars.

Musicals

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