About W. S. Gilbert
W. S. Gilbert (1836–1911) was an English dramatist best known as
one half of the writing duo Gilbert and Sullivan. He began his career working
in burlesques, establishing himself as a tasteful, intelligent writer. He then
moved on to various other genres, unhappy with his lack of control over the
burlesque form. Among his most famous collaborations with Arthur Sullivan are Pirates of Penzance, Trial by Jury, and H. M. S. Pinafore.
About Stanley Holloway
Stanley Holloway (1890–1982) was an actor, comedian, singer, and poet. He was famous for his comedic character roles, especially that of Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady. He received numerous accolades for his work, including an appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1960.