THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

J. W. Birtley as The Master of Ceremonies in The Orchid

J. W. Birtley (1891-94)

[Born Plumstead, Greenwich 11 Oct 1863]

Tenor John William Birtley appears to have been in D'Oyly Carte Opera Company "C" as a chorister from some point in 1891 until July 1893. On May 25, 1893 he went on for Richard Clarke as Colonel Fairfax in The Yeomen of the Guard. Birtley then joined the chours of Jane Annie on tour before reporting to the Savoy.

He was a member of the chorus at the Savoy during the initial run of Utopia Limited, and filled in on at least one occasion there for Scott Russell as Lord Dramaleigh when the latter was substituting for Scott Fishe as Mr. Goldbury.

Birtley had several appearances in comic opera and musical plays on the London Stage in the 1890s and early 20^th Century.

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