The group's inception emanated from members of the Epworth League at South Methodist Church in Manchester. In late 1946, Bob Gordon and June (Mildner) Hutchinson approached Benny Campagna about producing a variety show. However, it was suggested that a more structured show with costumes, script, and singing might be a better idea; i.e., Gilbert & Sullivan. Benny ran with this idea and with the assistance of his wife, Ruth, conducted, staged, and choreographed the first production of the G & S one-act "Trial By Jury". Benny produced shows for the group from 1947 to 1957. The organization was officially called The Manchester Gilbert & Sullivan Workshop in 1962. Productions were presented in South Church's Cooper Hall until 1952 when the group moved to Bowers School and eventually to Manchester High School's Bailey Auditorium in 1957. East Hartford and East Catholic High Schools have also served as performance locations.

In 1957, Martha White took over the artistic and musical direction of The Workshop; and during her tenure, the group became incorporated in 1962. The Workshop also adopted the policy of performing a non-Gilbert & Sullivan production every few years to expand their repertoire for their growing audience. In the mid-sixties, the group decided to incorporate a full scale orchestra into each annual production and in 1977, officially changed the name to The Manchester Gilbert & Sullivan Players, Inc., to more accurately identify the group as a performing organization.