The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan cantata. He informs Sullivan that, if he would get around to finishing "The Golden Legend", Queen Victoria will attend the premiere. Likewise, when Gilbert calls on Sullivan, he sees him rehearsing "The Golden Legend", as Bennett stands watch. When Bennett dozes off, Sullivan turns back to "The Mikado". After both works debut, Sullivan is knighted. The Queen inquires if he will write a grand opera. Just before the premiere of their next opera, "Ruddigore", Sullivan asks Gilbert to write the libretto for his first grand opera. Gilbert declines, stating that in such a work the words play second fiddle to
Gilbert and Sullivan and The Two Ronnies' 1973 Christmas Special. Other comedians have used Gilbert and Sullivan songs as a key part of their routines, including Hinge and Bracket, Anna Russell, and the "HMS Yakko" episode of the animated TV series "Animaniacs". Songs from Gilbert and Sullivan are often pastiched in advertising, and elaborate advertising parodies have been published, as have the likenesses of various Gilbert and Sullivan performers throughout the decades. Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas are commonly referenced in literature, film and television in various ways that include extensive use of Sullivan's music or where action occurs during a performance of