British cinema master Mike Leigh tells the story of how, during a creative dry spell, the partnership of the legendary musical-theatrical writers Gilbert and Sullivan almost dissolves, before they turn it all around and write the Mikado.

Set in the 1880s, this flamboyant musical is glorious for many reasons, most notably Lindy Hemming’s flawless costume design that won her an Academy Award, as well stellar lead performances from Allan Corduner and Jim Broadbent.