Topsy Turvy Certificate: 
- Duration:
- 160 mins
- Year produced:
- 1999
- Director:
- Mike Leigh
- Cast:
- Allan Corduner
- Dexter Fletcher
- Sukie Smith
Gilbert and Sullivan were the great songwriting duo at the end of the 19th Century, churning out hit after hit comic operas - until they had a flop, and Sullivan (who wrote the music, Gilbert did the words) decided to become a serious composer. But fate had other plans in store for them. This is both a superb recreation of particular moment in history, and also a timeless story of the problems of two talented people working together over many years.
- Average rating:
- This film has not been rated yet
Fascinating facts
Andy Serkis learned to play the violin for a scene which didn't make it to the final cut.
Most modern recordings and performances of the Mikado's solo, "A More Humane Mikado" feature a bloodthirsty laugh between the verses. This touch was added by Darrel Fancourt, a D'Oyly Carte performer from 1920-1953, and has been copied ever since - which is why the laugh is not performed by Richard Temple (Timothy Spall).
Most of Topsy Turvy director Mike Leigh’s work is done without any initial script. Actors then improvise their characters and scenes under his direction.