Dorothy is a comic opera in three acts with music by Alfred Cellier and a libretto by B. C. Stephenson. It was first produced at the Gaiety Theatre in London on September 25, 1886, starring Marion Hood in the title role, opposite the popular Hayden Coffin, and with comedians Arthur Williams and John Le Hay. Marie Tempest took over in the title role, and Florence Perry made her London stage debut in 1887 in the role of Phyllis Tuppitt.

This was the first production at the Gaiety by new managing director (and later owner) of the theatre, George Edwardes, who misjudged his audience. The Gaiety was then known for burlesque, and its audiences were not looking for Gilbert and Sullivan style comic opera. After a few months, Edwardes sold the production to his accountant, Henry Leslie. Leslie revised the show, adding among others Ben Davies and Marie Tempest, who took over the title role from the ailing Hood and became one of musical theatre’s biggest stars.

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