DEATH OF ACTOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22499, 17 August 1936, Page 9

DEATH OF ACTOR

SIR HENRY LYTTON NOTED IN SAVOY OPERAS. (Received August 16, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 10 The death is announced of the veteran actor Sir Henry Lytton, who had been seriously ill in a London nurs ing home. The late Sir Henry A. Lytton, singer and actor, was famed for his playing of chief parts in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. He was born in London in January, 1867, and began his stage career in 1884 by appearing in the chorus of "Princess Ida" on tour. He then obtained an engagement with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company and toured with it for more than two years. In 1887 lie was engaged by the management of the Savoy Theatre, London, the original home of the inimitable

comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. He started as understudy to George Grossmith as Robin Oakapple in "Ruddigore" and occasionally had a chance of playing the part. Gilbert was attracted by the ability and enthusiasm of the young actor, and in addition to encouraging him gave him special coaching in parts which he was studying. - In the 10 years or so that followed Sir Henry played with success in "Yeomen of the Guard," "Patience,'' "lolanthe," "The Pirates of Penzance," "H.M.S. Pinafore," "The Mikado," "The Gondoliers" and others of the operas. < Alter touring Canada in 1927 and 1929 and revisiting the United States in the latter year, Sir Henry returned to England and retired in 1932. He had been knighted two years previously. In 1934 he received a presentation to mark his work of half a century on the stage.