"MERRIE ENGLAND"

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 143, 18 June 1937, Page 10

"MERRIE ENGLAND"

CIRCASSIANS' PRESENTATION

The sec-i'nd performance by the Circassians ox "Merric- England," the tuneful opera by Sir Edward German, was presented last night in the Concert Chamber. One of the brightest and most colourful of modern English light opera:?. "Merrie England," witn its gay airs and choruses, has universal appeal and was very well received by the enthusiastic audience last night. The choir, under the capable baton of Mr. Thomas Wood, gave a delightful rendering, and provided a rich background for the soloists.

Numbers which were accorded an excellent reception were Elizabeth's quiet and lovely song "O Peaceful England," Bessie's song "Love is All Divine," and the merry."Rustic Dance and Jig," which was well played oy Miss Barbara Bannister and Miss Iris Mason on two pianos. The last rousing chorus, "Robin Hood's Wedding, . also brought forth spontaneous applause. Throughout the opera the choir and soloists seemed to catch the spirit of the music and interpret it sincerely. The soloists last night were Ence Duncan (Bessie Throckmorton), Karen Look (Jill-All-Alone), Margaret -, Haslam (Queen Elizabeth;, Arthur Goatpam. (Sir Walter Raleigh), George Gray^ ( the Earl of Essex), Norman Grenfell (Long Tom and Butcher), Alfred Arnott j (Baker). Wesley Foster (Tinker), and Thomas McNair (Tailor). The stage manager was Mr Frederick Smith. He was responsible for the clever lighting effects which were much ' commented upon. '. -."..- ■■■■