The following reports appeared in the press at the time. Unfortunately, it is not known which report comes from which newspaper so these are reproduced with apologies to the respective authors.

'Merrie England' Performed at Lyme Regis

NOTHING but superlatives are good enough to describe Lyme Regis Operatic Society's effervescent production of 'Merrie England', performed at the Marine Theatre last week. The large audiences were able to cast aside any cares and were carried back to the colourful England of bygone days.

The cast so obviously enjoyed singing Edward German's delightfully gay songs, and the whole performance bubbled.
It is no small wonder that the Society is now stronger than it has been since before the war. There is no shortage of new blood and no fewer than eight of the principals this year are newcomers.
The individual singing and acting was of a remarkably high standard for an amateur company, and the chorus work a faultless foil.
Mr. Reginald Pocock, the producer and musical director, succeeded in moulding his cast into a highly effective combination, and full marks to the orchestra, which played with verve and sweetness. This is a long opera with over 20 songs, but never once did Mr. Pocock allow the pace to flag.
All the principal members of the cast emerge with credit, but some deserve special mention.
Impressive Role
Perhaps most impressive was Raymond Jones as the Shakespearian player who is all talk and no action. The animated way he sang 'King Neptune on his lonely throne' comes particularly to mind. His movements were natural and relaxed and he projected skilfully every line of humour in his part.
Rachel Perry made a delightfully charming witch, and has a very pretty voice. As Queen Elizabeth Eileen Hey looked splendid in her costume, and the way she put over her part was convincingly regal.
Denis Shaw, as the Earl of Essex, and Maurice Thomas (Sir Walter Raleigh), both did well, but the former did not look entirely at his ease, and the latter could have spoken up a little more clearly. At times it was hard to catch his lines. Doreen Shaw, as the May Queen, and Elaine Broom, as the maid of honour, sang beautifully.

LARGE AUDIENCE FOR 'MERRIE ENGLAND' AT LYME REGIS

May is an ideal month for the presentation of Edward Germans 'Merrie England' which the Lyme Regis Operatic Society are this week staging at the Marine Theatre.
This delightful light opera has special reference to the English countryside at this time of the year and has a typical English setting.
Another reason for the popularity of this choice by this Society is that this opera follows closely on the lines of those written by Sullivan whose works are a great favourite with tem. In 1901 German finished the Emerald Isle which Sullivan left unfinished, and the following year he wrote 'Merrie England' which, to a great extent, is similar to some of Sullivan's works. Indeed, at one time it was thought that German would carry on the Sullivan tradition at the Savoy Theatre, London, but, as time progressed, he gradually drifted farther from it.
Every member of the Lyme society taking part in 'Merrie England' - and there were more this year than ever before - contributed to producing the right atmosphere for this opera and the large audiences have been realistically transported to the days of Queen Elizabeth and Raleigh. This success, another triumph to the producer and Musical Director, Mr. Reginald Pocock, was achieved in spite of sickness which at one time caused some concern. It should be mentioned that a contributory factor to this old English atmosphere was the artistic arrangement by members of the Lyme Regis Floral Group of large quantities of Spring flowers provided by members of the Operatic Society and friends.
HIGH STANDARD
The performance reached the usual high standard which characterises this Society's productions and was greatly enjoyed.
Eileen Hey made a dignified and charming Queen Elizabeth and her singing and acting were above the average. Another success was Doreen Shaw, the May Queen, who took a particular interest in witch-hunting.
One of the outstanding performances by the ladies was that of Rachel Perry as the reputed witch. She brought all the simplicity and artistry required for the success of this part. She could be plainly heard in both song and speech and her acting was no less effective.
Another favourite with Lyme audiences is elaine Broom who was well-chosen as a Maid-of-Honour. She was equally at home in all the various parts she was called on to portray.
Among those who contributed their share to the evening's triumph in lesser parts were Patricia Richards and Joyce Whibley as Girls of Windsor; Audrey M. Brown and Elizabeth A. French as Ladies in Waiting; Elizabeth Searle as first Royal page and Diana Emmett as the second Royal page.
One of the outstanding actors in a strong male cast was Raymond Jones who was well chosen as a Player in Shakespeare's Company. He has a particularly clear voice and could be clearly heard in all his parts, several of which imposed a considerable strain on his memory, and his singing and acting combined to make his performance really first class. he was well supported by Charles Broom as another player.
The well-known characteristics of Sir Walter Raleigh were well put across by Maurice Thomas while Dennis Shaw made a dignified Earl of Essex.
Robert Wheadon and Ronald Whibley proved ideal Royal Foresters who differed on an important matter and their differences led to several unusual incidents.
The part of the Queen's Fool is not one of the easiest to portray but it presented little difficulty to Timothy Cock.
William J. Creber, Phillip Curtis, Ronald Hercock and Arthur Fordham as butcher, baker, tinker and soldier, extracted the maximum amount of fun from their respective parts and were equal to all demands made upon them. Peter Evans and John Broom were the soldiers.
This opera contains several beautiful English numbers which are popular all over the world. they include the well-known "Love is meant to make us Glad," "Who were the Yeomen," "O Peaceful England" and "Cupid hath a garden." These and the rest were excellently sung by the various members and the chorus.