GSOV to Stage Edwardian Musical Hit, The Arcadians

The Arcadians (music by Lionel Monckton and Howard Talbot, lyrics by Arthur Wimperis and new book by Melvyn Morrow) has been hailed as the Edwardian era’s most successful Musical Comedy and the My Fair Lady of its day!

Premiering in 1909, The Arcadians was so entertaining that it ran for more than two years in London’s West End, longer than some of the G&S collaborations! The synopsis reads that a London restaurateur crash lands his plane in Arcadia and is transformed from a wicked man to a guileless youth by the innocent rural idyll of the locals. Horrified by the idea of city life, the magical Arcadians travel to London to convert the miserable city-dwellers at the races (not unlike the later My Fair Lady).

In 2010, Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria commissioned a new book from Australian playwright Melvyn Morrow, whose most recent hits include SHOUT! and Dusty – The Original Pop Diva. Director Robert Ray’s production premiered in Melbourne and toured to the UK, where it was hailed the hit of The International G&S Festival for its stunning settings, costumes, movement and performances.

This year, the creative team (Robert Ray and Naomi Tooby) produced last year's sold out season of Fledermaus!, restage this little seen gem with fresh new talent accompanied by a live quartet. Featuring choreography from Robert Ray (who has The Australian Ballet amongst his many credits), music specially re-scored by MD Geoffrey Urquhart and exceptional new gowns from Helen Ebsworthy.

There are two opportunities to see this production in Melbourne. The first is five matinees in the beautiful shady garden setting of The Knowe, an historic cottage in Sassafras (28 Feb, 1, 7, 8, and Labor Day Monday 9 March). Tickets for this theatrical immersion are strictly limited and this summer presentation always sells out. The second is the thoroughly modern The Round Studio (Nunawading) 13 , 14, 15 March with matinees on Saturday and Sunday and evening shows on Friday and Saturday. The Arcadians also tours to Queenscliff Town Hall on March 22.  For subscriptions, tickets and up to date details go to gsov.org.au.

In 2026, GSOV also brings you G&S's Patience in July at Alexander Theatre, Clayton, and A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol in November at Malvern Theatre, as well as several regional dates.

Image from the 2010 production of The Arcadians, with Ron Piddock OAM as Father Time, Catherine Northey (in green) as Sombra and Vanessa Petrie (in orange) as Chrysaea. Photographer: Brian Taylor.

Click here to read our featuew about Community Theatre seasons across Australia in 2026.

Individual booking links are:

Knowe: https://www.trybooking.com/DEGSY

Round: https://www.theround.com.au/TheArcadiansGSOV

Queenscliff: https://www.trybooking.com/DGNJU