Lord Chamberlain

In monarchies the Lord Chamberlain is a court official who manages the royal household and ceremonial affairs. In Gilbert’s day one of the Lord Chamberlain’s deputies was required to license plays and other theatrical productions. He was, in effect, a censor –– and, as such, an occasional thorn in Gilbert’s side. Huston (158) calls attention to the fact that since the Lord Chamberlain’s duty was to shelter the stage (from anything offensive) you might say that British drama was sheltered in his lee, hence the name Dramaleigh. Egad! See also The Mikado and The Gondoliers.