'MERRIE ENGLAND'

Evening Star, Issue 21170, 2 August 1932, Page 10

'MERRIE ENGLAND'

On Monday next Mr John Leech’s Tiyric Choir and orchestra will present ■lid ward German’s sparkling opera, ‘ Merrie England,’ which, ns the title suggests, has at its, setting the days of Queen Elizabeth, when England was “ Merrie England.” The principals are well cast. Bessie’s part is in the hands of Miss Noni Davidson. Her chief solo is the favourite ‘Waltz Song.’ Miss Helen Roy’s vivacious personality should find excellent scope in Jill’s music; the dignity of Queen Elizabeth will be fittingly portrayed by Miss Maude Kenward, her chief solo being ‘ 0 Peaceful England.’ Mr A.Walmsley will sing the part of Raleigh; Mr T. Harrison Stubbs, as the sinister Essex, is said to reveal interpretative powers of a high order. ‘ Yeomen of England,’ with a choral background, is a stirring number. The Four Men of Windsor—Messrs Wm. Ruffell, J. Ferguson, Howie Andrew, and D. M'Neil —infuse rich humour in several numbers. The choruses will be supported by a concert orchestra led by Mr .1. Wallace, the choir itself is well balanced, and the final rehearsal was the best experienced by the Lyric Choir. The plan opens at The Bristol to-mor-row.