Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Gilbert & Sullivan’s Princess Ida begins with a marriage contract made in childhood between Princess Ida and Prince Hilarion. When the time comes to fulfill the pledge, Ida has withdrawn to Castle Adamant, where she presides over a university for women. Rejecting the idea of men altogether, she vows to devote herself and her students solely to learning and the elevation of women above the perceived follies of men. Hilarion, deeply in love with Ida, sets out with two loyal friends, Cyril and Florian, to win her heart. Disguised as female students, they sneak into the university, hoping to persuade Ida of Hilarion’s devotion.
The ruse is soon discovered, sparking comic conflict as Ida’s strict ideals clash with the realities of love and loyalty. Meanwhile, King Gama (Ida’s curmudgeonly father) and King Hildebrand (Hilarion’s stern father) bring the threat of war to force the marriage’s fulfillment. In the end, Ida confronts the limitations of her rigid philosophy and realizes the sincerity of Hilarion’s love. The operetta concludes with reconciliation, as Ida accepts her role as both scholar and wife, blending intellect with compassion in true Gilbert & Sullivan satirical style.
Show Information
- Music
- Arthur Sullivan
- Lyrics
- W.S. Gilbert
- Libretto
- Arthur Sullivan
- Category
- Operetta
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1884
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- A mythical medieval kingdom, where Princess Ida rules a women’s university dedicated to learning and independence.
- Cast Size
- large
- Dancing
- Optional
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Chamber Opera, College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Opera, Regional Theatre, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen, Elderly, Child, Early Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
When Princess Ida premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London on January 5, 1884, it marked Gilbert & Sullivan’s eighth collaboration and their only operetta written in blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter). The work was loosely adapted from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s narrative poem The Princess (1847), a satire that explored the then-radical idea of higher education for women. Tennyson’s poem was widely read in Victorian England, a society grappling with gender roles and slowly opening avenues
to read the context for Princess Ida and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act I – King Hildebrand’s Palace
At King Hildebrand’s palace, courtiers gather with great anticipation for the long-awaited arrival of Princess Ida. Years earlier, she had been betrothed to Prince Hilarion in childhood, and the time has now come for the match to be fulfilled. The union is expected to bring stability to the kingdoms, and Hilarion himself is filled with eager devotion, recalling his fond memories of Ida from their youth and expressing his determination to remain faithful to
to read the plot for Princess Ida and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Chorus of Soldiers, Courtiers, "Girl Graduates", "Daughters of the Plough", etc. |
Ensemble |
Not Specified |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
|
Songs
Act I
Act II
Act III
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Unrhymed iambic pentameter used extensively in English Renaissance drama, particularly by Shakespeare.
Occurs when the audience knows more than the characters on stage, creating tension, humor, or poignancy.
Mock-Heroic is a literary and theatrical style in which trivial or absurd subjects are treated with the elevated seriousness and grandeur usually reserved for epic or classical heroes. By exaggerating tone and form, it creates comic contrast between lofty language or music and the silliness of the actual situation. For example, in Princess Ida, Gilbert & Sullivan use mock-heroic style in Ida’s Shakespearean speeches and her brothers’ bombastic trio “We Are Warriors Three.”
Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.
Rapid and rhythmic speech or singing, often used in comic opera roles or musical theatre for humorous effect.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Videos
Quizzes
Sorry! We do not currently have quizzes for this guide.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
Women’s Education and Independence
At
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Princess Ida and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Quote Analysis
*“Man is nature’s sole mistake.” – Princess Ida (Act
to read our analysis of select quotes from Princess Ida and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Guide Written By:
Jason Engleman
Humming show tunes day and night.