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'''Gilbert and Sullivan''' refer to the musical team of librettist W. S. Gilbert (1836–1911) and composer Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900).  The two are famous for the creation of the [[England|British]] [[light opera]] tradition.  A ''light opera'' - a genre almost entirely composed of Gilbert and Sullivan works - is a comic work in the popular tongue (vulgate), written for mass consumption and enjoyment, often to parody themes of [[Victorian]] life. Although some parodies still resonante today, such as the pretentions of Bunthorne in Patience; originally a parody of Oscar Wilde but still relevant to many modern artists.  During their lifetimes and work together, Gilbert and Sullivan wrote fourteen light operas (with one, Thespis, being now mostly lost with some of its music recycled in later productions).   

The phrase '''Gilbert and Sullivan''' refers to the musical team of librettist W. S. Gilbert (1836–1911) and composer Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900).  The two are famous for the creation of the [[England|British]] [[light opera]] tradition.  A ''light opera'' - a genre almost entirely composed of Gilbert and Sullivan works - is a comic work in the popular tongue (vulgate), written for mass consumption and enjoyment, often to parody themes of [[Victorian]] life. Although some parodies still resonante today, such as the pretentions of Bunthorne in Patience; originally a parody of Oscar Wilde but still relevant to many modern artists.  During their lifetimes and work together, Gilbert and Sullivan wrote fourteen light operas (with one, Thespis, being now mostly lost with some of its music recycled in later productions).   

Almost as important as Gilbert and Sullivan themselves was Richard D'Oyly Carte, their producer and impresario. The success of the early operas enabled him to build the Savoy Theatre, in which the later operas were mounted. The Gilbert and Sullivan works are often known as the "Savoy operas" and theatre companies devoted to presenting these operas often name themselves "Savoyards." D'Oyly Carte's productions were lavishly mounted and had an element of spectacle to them; for example, the "March of the Peers" in ''Iolanthe'' featured elaborate replicas of the ceremonial robes worn by the members of the House of Lords.

Almost as important as Gilbert and Sullivan themselves was Richard D'Oyly Carte, their producer and impresario. The success of the early operas enabled him to build the Savoy Theatre, in which the later operas were mounted. The Gilbert and Sullivan works are often known as the "Savoy operas" and theatre companies devoted to presenting these operas often name themselves "Savoyards." D'Oyly Carte's productions were lavishly mounted and had an element of spectacle to them; for example, the "March of the Peers" in ''Iolanthe'' featured elaborate replicas of the ceremonial robes worn by the members of the House of Lords.