Although Gilbert & Sullivan were the undisputed masters of the art form, we know that many collectors cast their net a little wider, to include memorabilia relating to Victorian and Edwardian operetta in general. Here we offer some scores and memorabilia relating to musical works by other Victorian and Edwardian authors and composers.

They are presented in no particular order, but newly listed items will appear towards the top of the page.

BILLEE TAYLOR in Liverpool

Steven's and Solomon's comic opera "Billee Taylor" was later toured by D'Oyly Carte, but in April 1881, when it appeared at the Alexandra Theatre in Liverpool, it was under the management of Charles Bernard.

MELUSINE THE ENCHANTRESS

Fred Sullivan appeared in both The Blind Beggars and Melusine the Enchantress at the Royal Amphitheatre, Holborn in 1874. The latter purported to have music by Herve, but was in fact an unauthorised version of the composer's Les Chavaliers de la Table Ronde. When challenged the theatre manager admitted that he had had the piece re-orchestrated as he couldn't afford the French band parts ! The piece was a huge flop, and this programme appears to be a first-night example, though issued on 24th October 1874.

ANSON BENEFIT

On April 21st 1877, at 2pm, the Opera Comique hosted a benefit performance for the actor G.W. Anson. Of most interest to us here is the appearance of Lionel Brough singing a new musical sketch by George Grossmith (then "Junr.", but our Gee Gee), "The Muddle Puddle Junction Porter". Earlier in the afternoon Ellen Terry appeared as Helen in a scene from Knowles' The Hunchback. price reduced