Mike Leigh directs this comic look at one of light operas most famous creative partnerships. In 1880s London, the writing team of William Gilbert (Jim Broadbent) and Arthur Sullivan (Allan Corduner) looks set to split after the comparative failure of their latest collaboration, Princess Ida. Sullivan is keen to prove himself as a serious composer, feeling that Gilberts writing has become too formulaic. However, when Gilberts wife, Kitty (Lesley Manville), takes him to an exhibition of Japanese culture, his imagination is fired, and he enthusiastically contacts Sullivan with ideas for a new project.