THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

Henry Claff

Henry Claff (1897-99)

[Born Russia 1879, died Edgeware, London 11 May 1943]

Tenor Hyman "Henry" Claff spent approximately two-and-a-half years in the chorus at the Savoy, beginning in December 1897 with The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein. His only named part was Kedas in The Lucky Star (January-May 1899), a role he assumed from Frank Manning in March 1899. The Lucky Star appears to have been his last appearance with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.

Claff then embarked on a highly successful career in music hall, appearing (under the name of Harry Claff) for many years as "The White Knight" in shining silver fish-scale armor. His repertoire included such popular songs "Let's All Go to the Music Hall" and "Till We Meet Again."On July 1, 1912, at a Royal Command Variety Performance at the Palace Theatre, Claff, in his silver armor, had the honor of leading the Company in the singing of "God Save the King."

He also appeared in three Drury Lane pantomimes: Aladdin (1917-18), Babes in the Wood (1918-19), and Cinderella (1919-20).

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