THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

C. M. Blythe (1879-85)

[Born Bermondsey, London c.1833, died Newton Abbot 27 Mar 1886]

Charles Mallett Blythe had steady work as Bob Beckett, the Carpenter's Mate, in H.M.S. Pinafore with several D'Oyly Carte Companies from April 1879 until February 1884. He began with the touring Comedy Opera Company in April and May 1879, and in July helped launch Carte's "A" Company, which in August became the "1^st 'Pinafore' Company." When that Company was disbanded in December 1879, he switched, still as Beckett, to the "2^nd 'Pinafore' Company." He remained with "2^nd 'Pinafore'" throughout 1880 (it became "A" Company in August) and 1881 (when it became "B" Company in March). Although The Sorcerer was added to the repertoire in March 1881, and The Pirates of Penzance in November, Blythe's only named part remained Bob Beckett. In 1882 and 1883, "B" Company (eventually renamed Mr. D'Oyly Carte's "Pinafore" and "Pirates" Company) continued to play Pinafore and Pirates, and Blythe retained his original role. The Company disbanded in September 1883, but was reconstituted from December 26, 1883, to February 2, 1884, once more with Blythe as Beckett.

Blythe's final engagement with the D'Oyly Carte was with Mr. D'Oyly Carte's "A" Company from January to December 1885. The Company toured Princess Ida for the full year, adding The Sorcerer in late January, and Pinafore in June. This time Blythe played Bill Bobstay, the Boatswain, in Pinafore, along with Scynthius in Princess Ida, and the Notary in The Sorcerer, the latter role shared with T. Noble Mounsey.

C. M. Blythe died on March 27, 1886.

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