The Toreador

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The Toreador: A West End Edwardian Triumph

"The Toreador" premiered at London’s Gaiety Theatre in the West End on June 17, 1901, a vibrant Edwardian musical comedy that ran for an impressive 675 performances, closing on February 14, 1903. Written by James T. Tanner and Harry Nicholls, with lyrics by Adrian Ross and Percy Greenbank and music by Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton, it was produced by George Edwardes. Starring Marie Studholme, Gertie Millar, and George Grossmith Jr., the show blended romance, farce, and exotic flair, captivating audiences with its Gaiety Girls and spirited energy. Its success spurred Broadway runs in 1902 and 1904, cementing its status as a transatlantic hit of the early 20th century.

A Bullfighting Romance Across Borders

The plot follows Sammy Gigg, an English pet shop owner in Biarritz, who loves Dora Selby, ward of widowed Mrs. Malton-Hoppings. When Dora’s guardian bans the match, Sammy dons a toreador disguise from a touring bullfighter, Carajolo, sparking a cascade of mistaken identities. Carajolo, enraged by the impersonation, chases Sammy to England, where Dora’s guardian plans to wed her to Augustus Trancard of the Bull-Fight Brigade. Amid comedic chaos including a bull loose in a pet shop Sammy wins Dora’s hand at a grand wedding, proving love conquers all in this cross-channel romp inspired by bullfighting bravado.

Music That Captivated the Gaiety

Caryll and Monckton’s score dazzles with tunes like “Captivating Cora,” “I’m Romantic,” and “Keep Off the Grass,” complemented by Ross and Greenbank’s witty lyrics. The rousing “Toreador’s Song” and tender “When I Marry Amelia” highlight the show’s blend of swagger and sentiment, while interpolations like Nathaniel D. Mann’s “Moon, Moon” sung by Christie MacDonald on Broadway added variety. Conducted by Caryll, the music fueled the Gaiety’s signature spectacle, with the chorus of Gaiety Girls amplifying its charm. Though not enduring standards, these songs defined the era’s zest for melodic escapism.

A Cast of Edwardian Stars

Marie Studholme led as Dora Selby, her delicate charm a draw, while George Grossmith Jr. played Augustus with dapper flair. Gertie Millar sparkled as Nancy Staunton, Harry Grattan brought humor as Carajolo, and Edmund Payne shone as Sammy Gigg. Sidney Bracy and later Gabrielle Ray bolstered the ensemble, embodying Edwardes’ knack for star power. Their performances, paired with lavish costumes and sets, drove the show’s 675-performance run, delighting royalty King Edward VII attended and commoners alike, making it a pinnacle of Gaiety Theatre’s golden age.

A Legacy of Edwardian Splendor

"The Toreador" outshone peers in 1901, its 675 performances a testament to its appeal amid a shifting theatrical landscape. After London, it ran 121 performances on Broadway’s Daly’s Theatre from January 6 to May 3, 1902, with a 1904 revival adding 88 more. Tours spanned Britain, America, and beyond, though it faded from repertoires by the 1920s. Its Gaiety roots and bullfighting twist influenced later musical comedies, marking it as a high point of Edwardes’ reign. A century later, it remains a vibrant echo of the West End’s Edwardian exuberance.