Creatures of Impulse

Discovering Creatures of Impulse: A Playful Dive into W.S. Gilbert’s Enchanted World

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into a world where people’s actions are controlled by an ill-tempered old fairy? Well, that’s exactly the premise behind Creatures of Impulse, a stage play written by W.S. Gilbert and set to music by Alberto Randegger.

The Birth of a Fairy Tale

Back in 1870, when Christmas was just around the corner, W.S. Gilbert penned a short story for The Graphic’s Christmas number. This tale, much like a seed planted in fertile soil, would eventually grow into a six-song play that premiered at the Court Theatre on April 2, 1871.

From Short Story to Stage

The story was about an old fairy who enchanted people to behave oppositely to their natures. It’s like when you’re feeling grumpy and someone suddenly starts being extra cheerful – it’s a bit of a shock, isn’t it? This whimsical concept was then adapted into a play that ran for 91 performances, making it an enjoyable and modest success.

Music and Magic

Alberto Randegger composed the music for this enchanting play. While some critics found his score ‘extremely undramatic,’ others appreciated its ‘pretty’ nature. Sadly, the score has been lost over time, leaving us to imagine what magic it held.

The Play’s Evolution

Interestingly, Creatures of Impulse was not just a standalone piece but part of a series of works commissioned by Litton. It followed the success of Randall’s Thumb and preceded The Happy Land in 1873. Each play seemed to build on the last, much like chapters in a storybook.

Characters and Curses

In the play, an old fairy casts spells that make people behave oddly. For instance, she makes Pipette’s lover Boomblehardt give away all his money, forcing him to pass out guineas to anyone he meets. It’s like a game of reverse psychology gone wild! The characters are left bewildered and embarrassed by their own actions.

Reviews and Reception

While reviews were generally positive, some critics pointed out the lack of plot structure. However, it was still an amusing bit of nonsense that showcased Gilbert’s ingenuity. One review even mentioned that the play was ‘overweighted with a quantity of extremely undramatic music,’ but overall, it was considered a delightful piece.

Adaptations and Revivals

The play saw several revivals in 1872, 1873, and 1874 at different theaters. Each revival brought its own changes, such as shortened or altered versions. An acting edition was published around 1871 and continued to be printed until about 1970.

Behind the Scenes

The play featured a young man (Peter) played by a woman (Maggie Brennan). The character of Jacques had no more lines than any other and disappeared after the first page. Righton portrayed Boomblehardt as a Jewish caricature without using a Jewish dialect, which historian Jane Stedman suggests shows Gilbert had little control over such portrayals.

Despite its modest success, Creatures of Impulse remains a fascinating glimpse into W.S. Gilbert’s evolving dramatic style during the 1870s. It’s a reminder that even in the world of theater, where every performance is a spellbinding act, not everything follows a perfect plot line.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where your actions seem to defy logic, remember Creatures of Impulse. It’s a playful reminder that sometimes, life can be as unpredictable and enchanting as a fairy’s spell.