Description: 60 minute documentary about G&S’s collaborator George Grossmith - written and presented by renowned G&S performer Simon Butteriss.


Synopsis:

Author: Director: Special Feature: Release date: 05/06/2006
Format: DVD. (Region 2)
Year of recording: Number of disc: 1
Number of pages: Classification: E
Running time: 60 mins

More information:

60 minute documentary about G&S’s collaborator George Grossmith - written and presented by renowned G&S performer Simon Butteriss. Simon Butteriss, the modern George Grossmith, explores the life and performances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s original comic “patterman”. George Grossmith was Gilbert and Sullivan’s original “patterman”. An entertainer rather than a singer, he became a major star and crucial influence on the comedic elements of the Savoy operas, from “The Sorcerer” through to “The Yeomen of the Guard” After twelve years with the company he left, feeling increasingly irritated and frustrated by Gilbert and went on to find fame and a much increased fortune with his one man show and humorous column, written with his brother Weedon which became the bestselling book “The Diary of a Nobody”. Yet during his time with the D’Oyly Carte company he did more than any other performer to define the unique wit and musical charm that is the reason for the continued popularity of G&S worldwide. Simon Butteriss has become the modern equivalent of George Grossmith. In performances of the patter roles all over the world with the D’Oyly Carte and latterly with the Carl Rosa Opera Company he has delighted literally hundreds of thousands of people. He has written “A Salaried Wit” as an appraisal of George Grossmith’s relationship with Gilbert and Sullivan. The film is a Grossmith like “one man show” in which Simon the narrator takes us on a fascinating journey where he becomes not only Grossmith the man, but all his comic characters. The songs, the humour and the history combine in a dazzling tour de force which redefines the musical documentary genre. Shot on high definition on location in London. Duration: 59 minutes. PLEASE NOTE: This is a REGION TWO DVD, coded for viewing in the UNITED KINGDOM, EUROPE, the MIDDLE EAST & JAPAN. It may not be viewable in other countries unless you have a player designed to play REGION TWO or ALL REGIONS. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer of your DVD player before ordering. Or go to http://hometheaterinfo.com/dvd3.htm