1887–1888 “A Fresh Start”

William Gilbert and Richard D'Oyly Carte attended a supper and ball given to celebrate the 500th performance of Dorothy. Carte was uneasy at the success of this rival opera, and wrote to Arthur Sullivan on February 13. The two men had already discussed Carte's plans for the future, and it had been agreed that Sullivan would write to Gilbert giving his own views on Carte's idea of building a new theater, of putting the new opera on there, disbanding the old Savoy company, and “making a fresh start.” From Carte's point of view the matter was urgent. He had to let the Savoy or sell it, otherwise...

William Gilbert and Richard D'Oyly Carte attended a supper and ball given to celebrate the 500th performance of Dorothy. Carte was uneasy at the success of this rival opera, and wrote to Arthur Sullivan on February 13. The two men had already discussed Carte's plans for the future, and it had been agreed that Sullivan would write to Gilbert giving his own views on Carte's idea of building a new theater, of putting the new opera on there, disbanding the old Savoy company, and “making a fresh start.” From Carte's point of view the matter was urgent. He had to let the Savoy or sell it, otherwise his scheme for a new theater would fail. Carte knew he would not be able to convince Gilbert, but hoped that Sullivan would succeed.