"The First Night of Gilbert and Sullivan" is a book by Reginald Allen that explores the premieres of the famous operas created by the British duo W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. The book provides a detailed account of the first performances of their operas, such as H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mikado, and The Pirates of Penzance.
 
Allen meticulously gathers reviews, critiques, and audience reactions from the time of these premieres. The book is rich in illustrations, including playbills, posters, and photographs, making it a visual as well as a literary tribute to the legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan. Through these historical documents, Allen offers readers a glimpse into the cultural and theatrical impact of their operatic works, showing how they were received during their debut performances and how they have become beloved classics over time.