Trial by Jury

work by Gilbert and Sullivan

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

"Trial by Jury" is a comic opera created by the English dramatists W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. It premiered in 1875 and was a significant success, marking the beginning of their prolific collaboration known as the "Savoy Operas".1

The opera is a one-act piece that satirizes the English legal system, specifically the jury system. It humorously depicts a courtroom where the judge is in love with the "principal girl" and the jury is composed of gentlemen who are all bachelors. The plot revolves around a breach of promise to marry, and the opera is known for its witty lyrics and catchy melodies.1

The jury system itself is a legal institution where a group of laypersons participates in deciding cases. Historically, juries have been seen as a safeguard of liberty, though also criticized for relying on amateurs. The concept of the jury has evolved significantly since its origins, with variations in its use and powers across different legal systems.2

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Arthur Sullivan
…in 1875; the result was Trial by Jury, which was originally put on as an afterpiece to an Offenbach operetta; it won instant popularity and ran for more than a year.
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…in 1875; the result was Trial by Jury, which was originally put on as an afterpiece to an Offenbach operetta; it won instant popularity and ran for more than a year.
Read More