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Topsy-Turvy (Original title)Topsy Turvy (Help search title)
Dates: 1999 (Copyright), 18 February 2000 (Release)

Countries: United Kingdom, USA

Director: Mike Leigh

Synopsis: The story of the partnership, both professional and personal, between composers Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert, focusing in particular on the original ideas for, and eventual staging of, one of their most famous comic operas, The Mikado.

Genre:
Drama

Subject:
Gilbert and Sullivan
Releases
Date: 14 January 2000Country: USARelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 160 mins Length: 14432 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 18 February 2000Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 160 mins 22 secs - Length: 14432 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: Pathe Distribution
Date: May 2015Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Colour - SoundRuntime: 154 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer

Credits (105)
©: Untitled 98 Limited, Production Company: Untitled 98 Limited, Production Company: Thin Man Films, Production Company: The Greenlight Fund, Production Company: Newmarket Capital Group, Supported by: National Lottery through the Arts Council of England, Producer: Simon Channing-Williams, Associate Producer: Georgina Lowe, Production Co-ordinator: Paula McBreen, Location Manager: Neil Lee, Post-production Supervisor: Deborah Reade, Assistant Director (1st): Nick Heckstall-Smith, Assistant Director (2nd): Josh Robertson, Assistant Director (3rd): Paula Spinks, Hannah Titley, Assistant Director (4th): Echo Ward, Assistant Director (Additional 2nd): George Walker, Assistant Director (Additional 3rd): Daniel John, Script Supervisor: Heather Storr, Casting: Nina Gold, Screenplay: Mike Leigh, Director of Photography: Dick Pope, Camera Operator: Dick Pope, Camera Operator (2nd): Lucy Bristow, Focus Puller: Lucy Bristow, Clapper Loader: Iain Struthers, Grip: Colin Strachan, Action Graphics: Tanya Miller, Editor: Robin Sales, Production Designer: Eve Stewart, Art Director: Helen Scott, Set Decorator: Eve Stewart, Set Decorator: John Bush, Draughtsman: Charles Leatherland, Scenic Artist: Loraine Schneider, Scenic Artist: Justin Overhill, Costume Designer: Lindy Hemming, Wardrobe Supervisor: David Crossman, Make-up/Hair Designer: Christine Blundell, Make-up Artist: Trefor Proud, Make-up Artist: Kirstin Chalmers, Dianne Jamieson, Hairdresser: Tony Martin, Title Design: Chris Allies, Music: Carl Davis, [Music] From the works of: Arthur Sullivan, Orchestra: Richard Addison, Orchestra: Andrew Baker, Orchestra: Ian Balmain, Orchestra: Roger Benedict, Orchestra: Chris Bevan, Orchestra: Timothy Brown, Orchestra: Hilary Browning, Orchestra: Nicholas Bucknall, Orchestra: Colin Chambers, Orchestra: Anthony Chidell, Orchestra: Mark David, Orchestra: Clive Dobbins, Orchestra: Jonathan Evans-Jones, Orchestra: Julian Farrell, Orchestra: David Fuest, Orchestra: Martin Gatt, Orchestra: David Gordon, Orchestra: David Greenlees, Orchestra: Michael Hext, Orchestra: Pan Hon Lee, Orchestra: Iain King, Orchestra: Timothy Kipling, Orchestra: Richard Layton, Orchestra: Tom Martin, Orchestra: William O'Sullivan, Orchestra: Stephen Orton, Orchestra: Anthony Pike, Orchestra: Matthew Scrivener, Orchestra: Andrew Shulman, Orchestra: Andrew Smith, Orchestra: David Theodore, Orchestra: Richard Wainwright, Orchestra: Timothy Walden, Orchestra: James Warburton, Orchestra: David White, Orchestra: David Whitson, Stephen Williams, Addditional Musician: Clive Bell, Joji Hirota, Musical Director: Gary Yershon, Orchestra Lead by: Michael Davis, Orchestra Lead by: Paul Willey, Josef Fröhlich, Supervising Music Editor: Michael Connell, Music Editor: Denise Connell, Music Engineer: John Timperley, Choreography: Francesca Jaynes, Additional Choreography (Brothel): Julia Rayner, Sound Recording: Tim Fraser, Re-recording Mixer: Adrian Rhodes, Mike Prestwood Smith, Supervising Sound Editor: Peter Joly, Additional Sound Editor: Danny Longhurst, ADR Mixer: Ted Swanscott, Foley Walker: Roy Baker, Foley Walker: Pauline Griffiths, Foley Mixer: Ed Colyer, Foley Editor: Paul Wrightson
Cast (90)
Jim Broadbent (William Schwenck Gilbert), Allan Corduner (Arthur Sullivan), Timothy Spall (Richard Temple), Lesley Manville (Lucy 'Kitty' Gilbert), Ron Cook (Richard D'Oyly Carte), Wendy Nottingham (Helen Lenoir), Kevin McKidd (Durward Lely), Shirley Henderson (Leonora Braham), Dorothy Atkinson (Jessie Bond), Martin Savage (George Grossmith), Eleanor David (Fanny Ronalds), Alison Steadman (Madame Leon), Dexter Fletcher (Louis), Sukie Smith (Clothilde), Roger Heathcott (stage door-keeper), Stefan Bednarczyk (Frank Cellier), Geoffrey Hutchings (armourer), Francis Lee (Butt), William Neenan (cook), Adam Searle (Shrimp), Kate Doherty (Mrs Judd), Kenneth Hadley (Pidgeon), Keeley Gainey (maidservant), Gary Yershon (pianist in brothel), Katrin Cartlidge (madame), Julia Rayner (Mademoiselle Fromage), Jenny Pickering (second prostitute), Sam Kelly (Richard Barker), Charles Simon (Gilbert's father), Philippe Constantin (Paris waiter), David Neville (dentist), Matthew Mills (Walter Simmonds), Nicholas Woodeson (Mr Seymour), Nick Bartlett, Gary Dunnington (stage hand), Amanda Crossley (Emily), Kimi Shaw (spinner), Toksan Takahashi (calligrapher), Akemi Otani (dancer), Kanako Morishita (shamisen player), Theresa Watson (Maude Gilbert), Lavinia Bertram (Florence Gilbert), Togo Igawa (first kabuki actor), Eiji Kusuhara (second kabuki actor), Naoko Mori (Miss 'Sixpence Please'), Eve Pearce (Gilbert's mother), Neil Humphries (boy actor), Vincent Franklin (Rutland Barrington), Michael Simkins (Frederick Bovill), Cathy Sara (Sibyl Grey), Angela Curran (Miss Morton), Millie Gregory (Alice), Jonathan Aris (Wilhelm), Andy Serkis (John d'Auban), Mia Soteriou (Mrs Russell), Louise Gold (Rosina Brandram), Shaun Glanville (Mr Harris), Julian Bleach (Mr Plank), Neil Salvage (Mr Hurley), Matt Bardock (Mr Tripp), Bríd Brennan (mad woman), Mark Benton (Mr Price), Heather Craney (Miss Russell), Julie Jupp (Miss Meadows), John Warnaby (Mr Sanders), Kacey Ainsworth (Miss Fitzherbert), Ashley Artus (Mr Marchmont), Richard Attlee (Mr Gordon), Paul Barnhill (Mr Flagstone), Nicholas Boulton (Mr Conyngham), Lorraine Brunning (Miss Jardine), Simon Butteriss (Mr Lewis), Wayne Cater (Mr Rhys), Rosie Cavaliero (Miss Moore), Michelle Chadwick (Miss Warren), Debbie Chazen (Miss Kingsley), Richard Coyle (Mr Hammond), Monica Dolan (Miss Barnes), Sophie Duval (Miss Brown), Anna Francolini (Miss Biddles), Teresa Gallagher (Miss Coleford), Sarah Howe (Miss Woods), Ashley Jensen (Miss Tringham), Gemma Page (Miss Langton-James), Paul Rider (Mr Bentley), Mary Roscoe (Miss Carlyle), Steven Speirs (Mr Kent), Nicola Wainwright (Miss Betts), Angie Wallis (Miss Wilkinson), Kevin Walton (Mr Evans)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (31)
In: Empire n186 December 2004  Pages: 72-73
Title: The 10 Best Ever ScreenplaysArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English

In: Exposure Winter 2002  Pages: 2-5
Title: Way of the Chameleon. An interview with Dick Pope.Author: BRETT, Anwar Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview in which Dick Pope talks about his work and career and his working relationship with Mike Leigh. He also talks about filming for TOPSY TURVY and ALL OR NOTHING.

In: Film Review vSpec. n34 Year book 2001  Page: 115
Title: Topsy-turvyAuthor: JONES, Alan Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film Ireland n75 Apr/May 2000  Page: 50
Title: reviewsAuthor: SMYTH, Cian Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound vSpec nMedia May 2000  Pages: 2-5
Title: Lean machinesAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: An analysis of how independent film distribution works in the UK and a comparison of the release of GLADIATOR with the release of TOPSY TURVY.

In: Premiere v13 n5 January 2000  Page: 60
Title: Smooth OperettaAuthor: LEWIN, Alex Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article on Mike Leigh, his directorial method, and his film TOPSY-TURVY.

In: Inside Film n22 April 2000  Pages: 48-49
Title: Mike Leigh goes Topsy TurvyAuthor: HESSEY, Ruth Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Mike Leigh talks about the making of TOPSY TURVY.

In: American Cinematographer v81 n3 March 2000  Pages: 76-79
Title: Topsy-turvyAuthor: PINSKER, Beth Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On cinematographer Dick Pope's collaboration with Mike Leigh on TOPSY-TURVY. Refers to specifics of lighting and film equipment and includes diagram of lighting setup.

In: Film Review n598 October 2000  Page: 56
Title: Topsy turvyAuthor: RICHARDS, Terry Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Premiere n285 December 2000  Page: 94
Title: Mike Leigh, roi des masquesAuthor: LAMOME, Stéphanie Article type: InterviewLanguage: French
Description: Mike Leigh talks about TOPSY-TURVY.

In: Creative Screenwriting v7 n1 Jan/Feb 2000  Pages: 12-13
Title: Script comments: Mike Leigh on Topsy-TurvyAuthor: SCHIFF, Laura Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with director/writer Mike Leigh who discusses what he aims to achieve in his work, and his preference for using improvisation rather than a finished screenplay.

In: Sight and Sound v10 n9 September 2000  Page: 62
Title: DVDArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Cinéaste v25 n2 March 2000  Pages: 34-37
Title: Entertainment and Empire An Interview with Mike LeighAuthor: PORTON, Richard Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with Mike Leigh about TOPSY TURVY, his film about W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

In: Sight and Sound v10 n9 September 2000  Page: 60
Title: Video reviewsAuthor: LEIGH, Danny Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n137 November 2000  Page: 128
Title: DVDAuthor: [CW] Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film Ireland n75 Apr/May 2000  Pages: 28-30
Title: LeightmotifAuthor: QUILL, Siân Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On Mike Leigh and TOPSY-TURVY.

In: Cinema Scope n2 Winter 2000  Pages: 62-63
Title: Topsy-Talky: Mike Leigh InterviewedAuthor: PRIDE, Ray Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Part of a whole issue on the best films of the 1990s.

In: Film Quarterly v54 n1 Autumn 2000  Pages: 39-41
Title: [Film Quarterly - v54 n1 Autumn 2000: no known title]Author: RAPFOGEL, Jared Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Cinéaste v25 n2 March 2000  Pages: 57-59
Title: [Cinéaste - v25 n2 March 2000: no known title]Author: PORTON, Richard Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Film Review n597 September 2000  Page: 46
Title: Topsy-turvyAuthor: KEMPSTER, Grant Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Short video review.

In: Sight and Sound v10 n3 March 2000  Pages: 36-37,55
Title: ReviewsAuthor: MEDHURST, Andy Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Film Review n591 March 2000  Pages: 66-67
Title: Upside DownAuthor: BRETT, Anwar Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Allan Corduner on TOPSY-TURVY.

In: Entertainment Weekly n521 14 Jan 2000  Pages: 46-47
Title: Smooth operettaAuthor: SCHWARZBAUM, Lisa Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n129 March 2000  Page: 14
Title: New filmsAuthor: ERRIGO, Angie Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Variety 06 Sep 1999  Page: 64
Title: FILM REVIEWSAuthor: YOUNG, Deborah Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Screen International n1201 26 Mar 1999  Page: 36
Title: EUROPEAN PRODUCTIONArticle type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Screen International n1238 10 Dec 1999  Page: 40
Title: [Screen International - n1238 10 Dec 1999: no known title]Author: SENJANOVIC, Natasha Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: On the film's reception by the critics in Italy.

In: Screen International n1226 17 Sep 1999  Page: 36
Title: Topsy-TurvyAuthor: MARSHALL, Lee Article type: ReviewLanguage: English

In: Screen International n1181 23 Oct 1998  Page: 4
Title: LondonArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: On UNTITLED MIKE LEIGH '98 having just wrapped.

In: The Hollywood Reporter v353 n47 18 Aug 1998  Page: 39
Title: FILMS IN PRODUCTIONAuthor: FUSON, Brian Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Eyepiece v19 n5 Oct/Nov 1998  Page: 13
Title: Who's crewArticle type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (1)
Title: Topsy-Turvy
Author: LEIGH, Mike  Pages: vii-xi, 139p.


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(5)
Digital materials(4)
Description: 50I - LTO5Duration: 02:40:03 minutesD10 - BFI identifier: N-497259
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: 50I - LTO5Duration: 02:40:03 minutesD10 - BFI identifier: N-497259-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 02:31:48 minutesProRes 422 - BFI identifier: N-497260
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 02:31:48 minutesProRes 422 - BFI identifier: N-497260-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file



Video materials(1)
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-231433
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape