'Iolanthe' premiered on November 25, 1882 simultaneously at the Savoy Theater in London and the Standard Theater, New York. The wit of Gilbert's dialogue and sparkle of his lyrics is matched only by the energy of Sullivan's setting, imbued with his sense of both Mendelssohnian grace and Victorian popular song. In two acts, 'Iolanthe' presents the convergence of the world of Fairies with that of Humans when Strephon interacts with members of Parliament. Vocal Score.