Duke of Plaza, The Gondoliers original pen and ink and watercolour illustration by Rosie Brooks

"The Duke of Plaza-Toro" is a character from Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera "The Gondoliers, or The King of Barataria." He is a Spanish nobleman who claims to be the Duke of Plaza-Toro, a small town in Spain. The character is known for his grandiose and bombastic personality, as well as his exaggerated Spanish accent.

In the opera, the Duke and his wife, the Duchess of Plaza-Toro, arrive in Venice in search of their son, who they believe was raised as a gondolier. They eventually discover that their son, Luiz, is one of two men who were recently elevated to the position of King of Barataria. The Duke is thrilled at the news, as he believes it will elevate his own social standing.

The Duke is a comic character who provides much of the opera's humor. He is a braggart who boasts of his own importance and is constantly trying to impress others with his wealth and status. Despite his over-the-top personality, he is ultimately a kind-hearted character who cares deeply for his family and their reputation.

"The Gondoliers" was first performed in 1889 and remains one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular works. The character of the Duke of Plaza-Toro is one of the opera's most memorable and beloved figures, thanks in part to his entertaining and humorous antics on stage.