First production of Cox and Box by Burnand and Sullivan

Background. F. C. Burnand adapted the popular farce Box and Cox into a comic opera in 1866. Arthur Sullivan provided the music for this adaptation. The work was originally intended for a private performance rather than a public stage. This collaboration marked an early significant partnership between the librettist and the composer, leading to further joint projects.

First Production. The first performance took place at Moray Lodge in Kensington, the home of Arthur James Lewis. A run-through occurred at Burnand's home on 23 May 1866 as a rehearsal for invited friends. The actual first performance followed on 26 May 1866 at Lewis's residence. This event established the work's initial reception before its later public staging.

Subsequent Performances. Following the private premiere, the opera was repeated and given its first public performance at the Adelphi Theatre in 1867. Another performance at Moray Lodge occurred in April 1867. The success of Cox and Box encouraged Burnand and Sullivan to write The Contrabandista, though that work was less well received.