Deliberate mistake: The song "If you give me your attention" (from "Princess Ida") and the Mikado's song (from "The Mikado," of course) are performed with their central verses omitted. This was no doubt to save time and, in the case of the Mikado's song, to avoid inclusion of the line "is blacked like a ni**er" (altered in 1948 to "is painted with vigour").
Topsy-Turvy (1999)
1 deliberate mistake
Directed by: Mike Leigh
Starring: Jim Broadbent, Dexter Fletcher, Allan Corduner, Roger Heathcott, Sukie Smith
Factual error: When the choristers are discussing whether to complain to Gilbert about his omission of Richard Temple's solo, one male singer refuses, saying that he has been with Carte's company for 38 seasons. However, the company had only been in existence for seven years in 1885.
Gilbert: Every theatrical performance is a contrivance by its very nature.
Sullivan: Yes, but this piece consists entirely of an artificial and implausible situation.
Gilbert: If you wish to write a Grand Opera about a prostitute, dying of consumption in a garret, I suggest you contact Mr Ibsen in Oslo. I am sure he will be able to furnish you with something suitably dull.
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