London in 1980. The popular comic operas of Gilbert (words) and Sullivan(music) have never failed, but their latest, Princess Ida receives a lukewarm press. Sullivan wants to quit in favour of serious music, but the two are under contract to Savoy Theatre impresario D′Oyly Carte. Princess Ida flops in a heatwave, and Carte needs a replacement. Sullivan rejects Gilbert′s next idea as topsy-turvy and unbelievable, and although Gilbert tries to accommodate him, they cannot agree and an impasse is reached. Gilbert is taken by his wife to a Japanese exhibition in London, and is inspired to write The Mikado . Sullivan agrees to collaborate and, after lengthy rehearsals, the show opens to great acclaim.