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The Trials by Opera of Gilbert and Sullivan and Richard D’Oyly Carte explores the relationship of these three creative geniuses. They created a sensational new genre of musical entertainment but their fractious relationship was held together by the diplomacy and organisational ability of Helen D’Oyly Carte.

During the period from 1875 to 1890 William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan had great success with their comic operas, both at home and overseas. Richard D’Oyly Carte played an invaluable part in the promotion of their productions, but this led to conflict with Gilbert who never accepted the importance of D’Oyly Carte’s contribution and resented him making money on the back of the Gilbert and Sullivan’s creative talents. Although Gilbert and Sullivan produced harmonious and beloved work, their relationship was far from congenial. Gilbert disliked Sullivan’s sybaritic tendencies and his hobnobbing with the great and the good including royalty. Sullivan found Gilbert abrasive. Business and copyright problems abounded during this time but despite conflicts, legal actions and ill health, Gilbert, Sullivan and Richard D’Oyly Carte created a legacy of gloriously staged music which endures today.