# Topsy-Turvy (1999)

### reviewed by
Greg King

TOPSY-TURVY (M). (October Films/UIP) Director: Mike Leigh Stars: Jim Broadbent, Allan Corduner, LesleyManville, Timothy Spall, Kevin McKidd, Ron Cook, Wendy Nottingham, Eleanor David, Shirley Henderson, Dorothy Atkinson, Martin Savage, Vincent Franklin Running time: 160 minutes.

With hits like The Pirates Of Penzance and HMS Pinafore to their credit, lyricist William S Gilbert (Jim Broadbent) and composer Arthur Sullivan (Allan Corduner) are the toast of London theatre in the latter half of the 19th century. But by the mid 1880's the pair have hit a slump as their creativity dries up. Their latest musical comedy Princess Ida receives only lukewarm reviews and audiences stay away in droves.

Gilbert's lyrics have become repetitive and his ideas stretch credibility. Meanwhile Sullivan wants to be taken more seriously and turn his hand to classical compositions rather than light weight ditties for low brow burlesque shows. When he steadfastly refuses to provide the music for Gilbert's latest piece of "topsy-turvydom", despite their contractual obligations, the pair reach an impasse that threatens to destroy their friendship and working partnership. Then Gilbert's long-suffering but patient wife Kitty (Lesley Manville) takes him to an exhibition of Japanese culture. Suddenly inspiration strikes, and he sets to work on writing The Mikado, arguably their most enduring and enjoyable work.

Rather than a straightforward biopic tracing the careers of Gilbert and Sullivan, Topsy-Turvy is an exploration of the backstage dramas and creative clashes that went into the making of The Mikado, with plenty of insight into the world of Victorian theatre This ambitious but beautifully conceived period piece would seem an uncharacteristic project for award winning director Mike Leigh, whose films are normally confronting, bleak contemporary dramas exploring the plight of the urban working classes (Secrets And Lies, etc). However, under his skilful direction Topsy-Turvy becomes a surprisingly colourful, robust and vastly entertaining romp.

In typical Leigh fashion, the director also taps into the darker side of this world, exploring the insecurities and vanities of the talented pair, and even briefly glimpsing the lives of their extraordinary theatrical company. Sex and drugs also rear their heads, even in these puritanical times. With meticulous care, Leigh brings this world to life. The costumes, set design and production values are all magnificent, and reek of authenticity.

The wonderful gallery of characters come to life through the superb performances of a talented, but largely unknown, ensemble cast that includes Leigh regular Timothy Spall and Kevin McKidd in key roles. In particular, the two leads create a wonderful contrast between the two collaborators, suffusing the film with a mixture of humour and pathos. Broadbent stands out as the stiff, bombastic and emotionally detached Gilbert, while Corduner does a superb job as the more liberated, free-spirited but ailing Sullivan.

Although the music may not be to the tastes of today's younger audiences, the wonderful re-enactments of several scenes from The Mikado are splendid stuff. Somewhat surprisingly, Topsy-Turvy's 160 minutes just seem to fly past, without many dull spots to slow the film down.

    ***1/2
    greg king
    http://www.netau.com.au/gregking

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