In 2024 ​Somerset Opera presented their raucous new production of W.S Gilbert? The G&S operas are very well known, but the relationship (occasionally stormy) between playwright Gilbert and composer Sullivan in their long collaboration is sometimes overlooked.  Gilbert often felt undervalued and Sullivan longed to be regarded as a much more ‘serious’ composer.  Robert Traynor put together a highly amusing ‘history’ of the partnership, using Gilbert’s own words in many places, and illustrating the whole thing with highly appropriate songs and quotations from the beloved operas throughout.  D'Oyly Carte's own Robert Traynor performed the role of Gilbert, together with soloists and chorus from Somerset Opera. The show included familiar numbers from ten Gilbert & Sullivan Operas including The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, Patience, HMS Pinafore, Iolanthe and Gondoliers, with  over 25 numbers including ‘Three Little Maids’, Poor Wandering One, Cock & Bull, the Nightmare Song, A Wand’ring Minstrel I and I am the Very Model of a Major General.
WS Gilbert?- This Was Your Life! toured to eight venues across Somerset from 14-24 March 2024