Creatures of Impulse

Creatures of Impulse is a "fairy comedy" by W.S. Gilbert (1836–1911)[1].

The original text

Gilbert based the play on his own short story "A Strange Old Lady" (1970), about an unwanted and ill-tempered old fairy who enchants people to behave in a manner opposite to their natures.

The play was first produced at the Royal Court Theatre, London, on 2 April 1871, with music by Alberto Randegger. Revived a number of times, e.g. in 1872 at the Court Theatre, in 1873 at the Queen's Theatre, and in 1874 at the Vaudeville Theatre. The text was published by T.H. Lacy circa 1871.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1873: Performed by Disney Roebuck and his company in the Mutual Hall, Cape Town, on 26 December, with Pygmalion & Galatea (Gilbert).

1873: Performed by Disney Roebuck and his company in the Oddfellows Hall, Cape Town, on 27 December, with The Ticket of Leave Man (Taylor).

1873: Performed by Disney Roebuck and his company in the Mutual Hall, Cape Town, on 27 December, with Meg's Diversion (Craven).

1874: Performed by Disney Roebuck and his company in the Mutual Hall, Cape Town, on 17 January, with Aladdin.

1877: Performed by Disney Roebuck and his company in the Theatre Royal, Cape Town, on 12 December, with Ours (Robertson) and a ballad performed by Miss Wynne. Performed as part of a "Grand Masonic Night under the … Patronage of … Grand Master R.W. Southey, C.M.G."

1877: Performed by Disney Roebuck and his company in the Theatre Royal, Cape Town on 14 December, with Ours (Robertson) and a ballad performed by Miss Wynne.