Oh Joy! Oh Rapture!

In Oh Joy! Oh Rapture! expert and enthusiast Ian Bradley explores the world of Gilbert and Sullivan over the last four and a half decades looking at the way this phenomenon is passed from generation to generation. Taking as his starting point the expiry of copyright on the opera libretti at the end of 1961 and using fascinating hitherto unpublished archive material Bradley reveals the extraordinary story of the last years of the old D''Oyly Carte Opera Company the guardian of Savoy tradition for over a hundred years and the troubled history of its successor. He explores the rich vein of parodies spoofs and spin-offs of the songs as well as their influence on twentieth century lyricists and composers. He analyzes professional productions across the world looks at the unique place of G&S in schools colleges and universities and lovingly explores the culture of amateur performance. He also uncovers the largely male world of the obsessive fans those collecting memorabilia the myriad magazines journals websites and festivals devoted to G&S and the arcane interests of some of the faithful inner brotherhood.