W. S. Gilbert

Sir William Schwenck Gilbert, known affectionately as W. S. Gilbert, was a prominent English playwright, poet, and librettist who lived from 1836 to 1911. He is best known for his collaboration with composer Arthur Sullivan, which produced some of the most beloved operettas of the Victorian era, including "The Mikado" and "H.M.S. Pinafore." Gilbert's sharp wit and clever wordplay brought a delightful blend of humor and social commentary to his works, making them timeless pieces that continue to resonate with audiences today.

As you explore the works of W. S. Gilbert in this app, you'll discover a unique talent for satirizing the quirks of society and the foibles of human nature. His writing is not only entertaining but also invites reflection on the world around us. Dive into his enchanting operettas and enjoy the playful spirit that has enchanted generations. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, there's something in Gilbert's work for everyone to enjoy.

The Pirates of Penzance

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. Th…

The Bab Ballads

Read by Graham Redman 5
The Bab Ballads are a collection of light verse by W. S. Gilbert, illustrated with his own comic drawings. Gilbert wrote the Ballads before …

The Gondoliers

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.9
In typical Gilbert and Sullivan "Topsy Turvy" style, the King of Barataria has gone missing! He was stolen as a baby and raised in…

The Story of H.M.S. Pinafore

Read by NoelBadrian 4.8
H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor, is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and a libretto by W. S. Gilbe…

The Story of the Mikado

Read by NoelBadrian 4.6
The Mikado is the ninth of the 14 Gilbert and Sullivan musical collaborations. It opened in 1885, had the second longest run for any work of…

The Pirates Of Penzance; Or The Slave Of Duty (Version 2)

Read by David Wales 4.4
In this recording, one person reads the entire play, all parts, including the stage directions. Even without the support of Arthur Sullivan’…

H.M.S. Pinafore; Or, The Lass That Loved A Sailor

Read by David Wales 5
In this recording, one person reads the entire play, all parts, including the stage directions. Even without the support of Arthur Sullivan…

Etiquette

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4
Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was an English dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator best known for the fourteen comic operas (known as t…

The Sorcerer

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4
Alexis Pointdextre gets his family sorcerer to brew up a love potion. But what happens when it gets out of control? This two act operetta wa…

Dan'l Druce, Blacksmith

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.8
A drama from the Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan. Pursued by the Parliamentary Army after the Battle of Worcester, some Royalist soldiers ta…

Broken Hearts

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 5
Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan fame also wrote non-musical plays without Sullivan as a partner. Here is a dramatic play far afield from the…

Poetry Everywhere

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.5
Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was an English dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator best known for the fourteen comic operas (known as t…

Tom Cobb; or Fortune's Toy

Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Tom Cobb: "Why, there's a squalid old pauper idiot, a patient of his, who's got no name of his own, and Whipple [Doctor] christened him…

The Ghosts' High Noon

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.8
LibriVox volunteers bring you 19 recordings of The Ghosts' High Noon by W. S. Gilbert. This was the Weekly Poetry HALLOWE'EN project for Oct…

More Bab Ballads

Read by Graham Redman 5
This is a subset of the second collection of Gilbert’s “Bab Ballads” – light verses poking fun at the life and people of his time in Gilbert…

Engaged

Read by LibriVox Volunteers
This comedy is by Gilbert on his own without Sullivan. "Listen to me. You love this girl?" "I love her sir, a'most as weel as…

Sweethearts (Version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4
Subtitled "An Original Dramatic Contrast", the play presents two neighbors, Harry and Jenny, parting in Act 1 and then meeting aga…

The Mikado, Or The Town of Titipu (version 2)

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 3.8
In the town of Titipu, flirting is punishable by death on the command of the Mikado himself! But what happens when the Lord High Executioner…

Ruddigore by Gilbert and Sullivan

5
A complete performance of the famous Savoy operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan. Ruddigore; or, The Witch's Curse is a comic opera in two acts, …

The Pinafore Picture Book: The Story Of H.M.S. Pinafore (Version 2)

Read by David Wales 3.8
Pinafore’s sublimely silly story is made even sillier by this (ostensibly for children) 1908 story version of the 1878 Gilbert and Sullivan …

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