all earnestness, explained the casting choice: "He's a staid, solid swine, and that's what I want." Barrington was given the role of Dr Daly, the vicar, which was his first starring role on the London stage. For the character role of Mrs. Partlet, they chose Harriett Everard, an actress who had worked with Gilbert before. Carte's agency supplied additional singers, including Alice May (Aline), Giulia Warwick (Constance), and Richard Temple (Sir Marmaduke). Finally, in early November 1877, the last role, that of the title character, John Wellington Wells, was filled by comedian George Grossmith. Grossmith had appeared in charity performances of Trial by Jury, where both Sullivan and Gilbert had seen him (indeed, Gilbert had directed one such performance, in which Grossmith played the judge), and Gilbert had earlier commented favourably on his performance in Tom Robertson's Society at the Gallery of Illustration. After singing for Sullivan, upon meeting Gilbert, Grossmith wondered aloud if the role shouldn't be played by "a fine man with a fine voice". Gilbert replied, "No, that is just what we don't want." The Sorcerer was not the only piece on which either Gilbert or Sullivan were working at that time. Gilbert was completing Engaged, a "farcical comedy", which opened on 3 October 1877. He also was sorting out the problems with The Ne'er-do-Weel, a piece he wrote for Edward Sothern. Meanwhile, Sullivan was writing the incidental music to Henry VIII; only after its premiere on 28 August did he begin working on The Sorcerer. The opening was originally scheduled for 1 November 1877; however, the first rehearsals took place on 27 October, and the title role of J. W. Wells was filled just before that time. The Sorcerer finally opened at Opera Comique on 17 November 1877. Roles Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, an Elderly Baronet (bass-baritone) Alexis, of the Grenadier Guards, his son (tenor) Dr Daly, Vicar of Ploverleigh (lyric baritone) Notary (bass) John Wellington Wells, of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers (comic baritone) Lady Sangazure, a Lady of Ancient Lineage (contralto) Aline, her Daughter, betrothed to Alexis (soprano) Mrs. Partlet, a Pew Opener (contralto) Constance, her Daughter (soprano (1877); mezzo-soprano or soprano (1884)) Hercules (speaking role) Chorus of villagers Note: In the 1877 production, Constance was played by a soprano, Giulia Warwick. Parts of the role were lowered in 1884 for mezzo-soprano Jessie Bond. Synopsis Act I The villagers of Ploverleigh are preparing