His Majesty is an 1897
comic opera with dialogue by
F. C. Burnand, lyrics by
R. C. Lehmann, additional lyrics by
Adrian Ross, and music by
Alexander Mackenzie. The work premiered at the
Savoy Theatre in London on 20 February 1897, running for only 61 performances until 24 April, despite a strong cast including
George Grossmith,
Ilka Pálmay,
Scott Russell,
Fred Billington,
Florence Perry and
Walter Passmore. The
D'Oyly Carte Opera Company then toured the opera throughout 1897 alongside more familiar
Gilbert and Sullivan works. This poster for
His Majesty was designed by
Dudley Hardy to advertise the original D'Oyly Carte production, or the tour immediately following.
Poster credit: Dudley Hardy; restored by Adam Cuerden