Topsy Turvy

59:00

1:23:07

Topsy-Turvy is a 1999 British musical drama film written and directed by Mike Leigh, starring Allan Corduner as Sir Arthur Sullivan and Jim Broadbent as W. S. Gilbert, along with Timothy Spall and Lesley Manville. The story concerns the 15-month period in 1884 and 1885 leading up to the premiere of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado. The film focuses on the creative conflict between playwright and composer, and their decision to continue their partnership, which led to their creation of several more Savoy Operas.

The film was not released widely, but it received very favourable reviews, including a number of film festival awards and two Academy Awards for design. While it is considered an artistic success as an in-depth illustration of British life in the theatre during the Victorian era, the film did not recover its production costs. Leigh cast actors who did their own singing in the film, and the singing performances were faulted by some critics, while others lauded Leigh's strategy.

53:11 G and S discuss their collaboration

59:24 G and wife visit Japanese expo

1:08:03 The sword falls

1:19:32 Actress playing Yum-Yum negotiating contract

1:23:09 Rehearsal and costume fitting