Topsy-Turvy (1999)

Mark Benton: Mr. Price

Quotes 

• Gilbert : You, do?

  [referring to the chorus members belief that the Mikado song should not have been cut] 

  Mr. Price : Yes, sir, we do so.

  Female Chorus Member : Yes, especially after all our extremely hard work and of course, Mr. Temple's.

  Gilbert : I'm very sorry for you, but as we all know, it's an unjust world.

  Male Chorus Member : We all feel it would have been a great benefit to the opera.

  Female Chorus Member : And it's fair for it to be left to the audience to decide.

  Gilbert : Is this the considered opinion of you all?

  Chorus Members : It is, sir.

  Mr. Kent : I am not a party to this, Mr. Gilbert.

  Gilbert : Ah, Mr. Kent, as ever the sole voice of reason!

  Gilbert : [to Temple, who has unexpectedly come upon the meeting of Gilbert and the chorus members]  Mr. Temple, what do you make of this occurrence?

  Richard Temple : I do beg your pardon Mr. Gilbert, but I have absolutely no idea of what is taking place.

  Gilbert : There has been a request that your song be reinstated.

  Richard Temple : Ah.

  [pause] 

  Richard Temple : Ah.

  Gilbert : A most forceful request, I have to say.

  [George Grossmith also comes unexpectedly upon the crowd] 

  George Grossmith : [to the crowd members]  Afternoon, afternoon, please give way.

  [seeing Gilbert] 

  George Grossmith : Ah! Beg pardon, sir.

  Gilbert : This is surprising, indeed, ladies and gentlemen, somewhat overwhelming.

  Gilbert : [to Temple]  Temple, would you be prepared to sing this song at this evening's performance?

  Richard Temple : Yes, sir, I would.

  Gilbert : [after long hesitation]  Then please be so good as to do so.

  [Chorus members laugh, cheer and applaud] 

  Gilbert : Rehearsals will commence in five minutes!

  Male Chorus Member : Congratulations, Temple!

• Mr. Price : Hello, Mr. Gilbert.

  [addressing Gilbert as he is leaving the theater at the head of the members of the opera chorus] 

  Gilbert : Good Afternoon, Price.

  Mr. Price : Mr. Gilbert, might you spare us a moment of your time, please?

  Gilbert : Of course, that's why we're here. We have to rehearse.

  Mr. Price : Please, Mr. Gilbert...

  Gilbert : [irritated]  Yes, Price, what is it?

  Mr. Price : [hesitating]  We-uh...

  Gilbert : Hmm?

  Mr. Price : The ladies and gentlemen of the chorus...

  Gilbert : [patiently]  Yes?

  Mr. Price : Concerning Mr. Temple's song, sir.

  Gilbert : Ah! The Mikado's song!

  Mr. Price : Yes, sir.

  Gilbert : Well, what of that mercifully released aberration?

  Mr. Price : We all consider it a very fine song, sir.

  Male Chorus Member : Indeed, we do!

  Gilbert : Gratifying, I'm sure, but that must be a matter of opinion, mustn't it, Price?

  Mr. Price : Well, yes, Mr. Gilbert, but we believe it a great loss.

  Male Chorus Member : Terrible!