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15 Minute Drama: I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General

Simon Butteriss

Alex Jennings

Rupert Vansittart

Robin Brooks

Fiona McAlpine

15 Minute Drama: I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General: Episode 5: Piano and I

I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General

Episode 5

Episode 5: Piano and I

Piano and I

BBC Radio 4 - 15 Minute Drama, I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General, Piano and I

It is 1889, and after 12 years at the Savoy Opera, Grossmith decides to go solo.

It is 1889, and after 12 years at the Savoy Opera, Grossmith decides to go solo. Gilbert and Sullivan lose their golden goose and struggle to replace him. Will there be a reunion?

The story of the rise and fall of a collaboration between three men who dominated Victorian musical theatre and have left a lasting legacy. Everyone has heard of the immortal Gilbert and Sullivan, but who knows about the man who brought them success, George Grossmith, the original Modern Major General?

Simon Butteriss and Robin Brooks' delightful comedy drama about the entertainer George Grossmith, who was plucked from his humble touring circuit to become the star of the Gilbert & Sullivan Savoy Operas, staying for twelve years. Grossmith was central to why Gilbert and Sullivan operas became so successful and continue to be so today.

Simon Butteriss, who plays Grossmith, is best known as a performer in the Gilbert and Sullivan patter roles, which he continues to sing all over the world to a huge fan base. Robin Brooks' work for Radio 4 includes Ulysses, I Claudius, The Great Scott and Iris Murdoch: Dream Girl. His recent dramatisation of Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The Sea starring Jeremy Irons has been shortlisted for a BBC Audio Drama Award, 2016.

Episode Five: Piano and I
It's 1889 and, after twelve years at the Savoy Opera, Grossmith decides to go solo. Gilbert and Sullivan lose their golden goose. While he flies, they struggle to replace him. Will there be a re-union? And if so, will they all be able to bear it?

Pianist: Gretel Dowdeswell
Sound Designer: Alisdair McGregor

Written by Simon Butteriss and Robin Brooks
Directed by Simon Butteriss and Fiona McAlpine
Produced by Fiona McAlpine

An Allegra production for BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

By Simon Butteriss. Story of the three men who dominated Victorian musical theatre

By Simon Butteriss. Story of the rise and fall of a collaboration between three men who dominated Victorian musical theatre

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I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General

Episode 5: Piano and I

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