Richard D'Oyly Carte was manager of the theatre for Dolaro, and when one of La Périchole'''s companion pieces proved weak, Carte asked Gilbert to collaborate with Arthur Sullivan to write a one-act piece for the theatre.
Richard D'Oyly Carte, who managed the theater at Dolaro, requested Gilbert to collaborate with Arthur Sullivan on a one-act musical after one of La Périchole's supporting pieces was deemed weak.