Cock and Bull
by John Griffiths, with the songs of Gilbert and Sullivan
The fruitful but fractious partnership between W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan
When the play opens, we are in W.S.Gilbert's study in Grim's Dyke, his home in Harrow. The year is 1911, and Sir Arthur Sullivan, Gilbert's partner for a quarter of a century, has been dead for just over a decade. With reference to their journals and to the many letters that passed between them, the famous pair revisit the highs and lows of their collaboration; the rocky journey from Thespis, the first opera in the series, to The Grand Duke, their fourteenth and final offering.
A thing of 'songs and snatches' exploring the soap behind the operas! Participation is gently encouraged; song sheets will be provided so the audience can join in the choruses. 'Here's a How-De-Do'!
Written by and starring John Griffiths — familiar to Tabard audiences from The Mikado and HMS Pinafore — alongside Robert Hazle, Cock and Bull is a fast-paced, 80-minute comic romp through the triumphs, scandals, songs and backstage secrets of Gilbert & Sullivan.
15-16 November 2026
Book Tickets
Booking Information
Running Time 80 minutes, no interval
Latecomers Latecomers will not be admitted once the performance has started
Tickets £24.50 general admission/£22.50 concessions - select a date below to book your tickets
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Cast
John Griffiths
W. S. Gilbert
Robert Hazle
Sir Arthur Sullivan