Gilbert and Sullivan a composer of comic opera—that a musical knight should not stoop below oratorio or grand opera. Sullivan, despite the financial security of writing for the Savoy, increasingly viewed his work with Gilbert as unimportant, beneath his skills, and repetitious. Furthermore, he was unhappy that he had to simplify his music to ensure that Gilbert's words could be heard. But paradoxically, in February 1883, just after "Iolanthe" opened, Sullivan had signed a five-year agreement with Gilbert and Carte requiring him to produce a new comic opera on six months' notice. "Princess Ida" (1884) spoofed women's education and male chauvinism and continued
National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company August and September 2010, the G&S Opera Company presented its first production outside of the festival, "The Yeomen of the Guard", at Oxford Castle. Two of its 2012 productions were repeated in Harrogate late in August, and all three of its 2013 productions transferred there in late August. The company toured three of its 2014 productions in repertory from June to August 2014, giving seven performances in each of six cities. Since 2015, besides Harrogate, the company has toured its productions to several cities and towns in the UK, including the Festival's previous home, Buxton. "Sky Arts" called the Gilbert