H.M.S. Pinafore

• H.M.S. Pinafore, or “The Lass That Loved a Sailor,” is a comic opera written by Gilbert (libretto) and Sullivan (music). Taking place aboard the British naval ship HMS Pinafore in 1840, the story of forbidden love revolves around the daughter of the ship’s captain, Josephine, and a “lowly” sailor, Ralph.
  • Synopsis from the English National Opera
• H.M.S. Pinafore premiered in London in 1878. The work was Gilbert and Sullivan’s fourth collaboration. The two would go on to produce 14 operas together.¹

“We Sail the Ocean Blue” – sung by the ship’s sailors at the top of the show.

“When I Was a Lad” – sung by Sir Joseph (Josephine’s suitor) where he shares how he rose from humble origins to become the First Lord of the Admiralty.

“A British Tar” – the sailors of the ship sing about the characteristics of a British sailor

“Never Mind the Why and Wherefore” – trio sung between the captain, the captain’s daughter, Josephine, and her (class-appropriate) suitor Sir Joseph where marriage is agreed upon between Josephine and Sir Joseph (despite her feelings for the sailor, Ralph).

1. “HMS Pinafore,” English National Opera, accessed July 25, 2025, https://www.eno.org/operas/hms-pinafore/.