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1924 - Iolanthe

"Iolanthe" at Lyme

Brilliant Performances by the Local Society

Original press cutting, saved by Miss Sybil Foxwell and provided by courtesy of Lyme Regis Museum. Full text at right. Mrs. H. Radford, the energetic secretary of Lyme Regis Choral and Operatic Society, has reason to be proud of her efforts. During the past few years, the society has progressed by leaps and bounds, until its performances have become the most popular events among residents and visitors alike. The Drill Hall was crowded on Monday evening, when the society presented Gilbert and Sullivan's opera "Iolanthe." Early in the present year "Iolanthe" was successfully performed by the society, but many residents welcomed the opportunity of seeing the performance again. The scenery provided by Mr. Emmett was exceptionally good, and the costumes were much admired. Miss Storey as stage manager worked hard to bring about success. Mrs. Halliday, who took the part of Queen of the Fairies on the previous occasion, was unable to do so this time, with the result that Miss Sybil Foxwell (who took Iolanthe previously) was chosen for the part. The new Iolanthe, Mrs. B. Tidwell, justified her selection, her singing being loudly applauded. Miss Foxwell carried out her new part extremely well, and Mr. Dobson as Strephon had many admirers. The Lord Chancellor (Mr. F. G. Isbell) caused plenty of fun, and Mr. Horace Camplin (Earl Mountararat), Mr. Andy Bartlett (Earl Tolloller), Mr. Reg. Baker (Private Willis), Miss Rowe (Phyllis), and Misses Doris Emmett, Winnie Baker and Vera Plum were all worthy of the parts alloted to them.
the chorus consisted of the following fairies:- Mesdames Brown, Bosence, Medley, Misses Bragg, Case, H. Foxwell, A. Johnstone, M. Paul, P. Plum, Small, G. Stockley and L. Wiscombe, whilst Messrs. Frank Chaffey, H. Foxwell, W. Foxwell, Jack Gage, D. Hardy, P. Hallett, J. Martin, Jim Moore, Phil Moore, W. Plum, A. Richards, West, and Tom Smith made excellent dukes, marquises, viscounts and barons. Little Master S. Bosence made an excellent trainbearer for the Lord Chancellor. The performance of the orchestra was splendid, the following taking part:- Pianist, Mrs. George, violin leader, Mr. Hawker; 1st violin, Mrs. Eyre Brook; 2nd violin, Miss Erwood; violas, Miss J. Spurr and Miss Till; 'cellos, Mr. H. Ellis and Rev. T. Frodsham; bass, Mr. Bastable; flute, Rev. Willson; oboe, Mr. Good; cornet, Mr. Bishop; clarionet, Mr. Anstey; drums, Mr. Case. The society gave a further performance at the Drill Hall on Tuesday, and on Wednesday were well patronised at Seaton. On Thursday the society held a long night dance in he Drill Hall, and, as usual, were well supported.