Engaged

William Schwenck Gilbert (1836–1911) was a dramatist, poet, author, illustrator and librettist. Although he was a prolific writer, producing around 75 plays and dramatic works, he is best known today for the comic operas he produced in collaboration with Arthur Sullivan, including HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado, which continue to enjoy huge popularity worldwide.

'The laughter was almost incessant.' (The New York Times) 'The satirical comedy of Mr Gilbert has all the sting, smack and strength of neat brandy… a sudden gulp of it is apt to take one’s breath away.' (The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News)

• W.S. Gilbert: A Brief Introduction, Introduction: W.S. Gilbert and Engaged, Act I, Act II, Act III, Note on the Text, Notes, A Glossary of Stage Scots, ‘The Two Obadiahs’