THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

Marguerite Kynaston in Ruddigore

Marguerite Kynaston (1920-29)

[Born Catford, London 9 Jul 1895, died Hadleigh, Essex 23 Dec 1962]

Marguerite Kynaston was born Gladys Mary Green. She joined the D'Oyly Carte Repertory Opera Company chorus in March 1920, where she remained until January 1924. During this period, she took a number of small parts:Celia in Iolanthe (March 1921-June 1923), Zorah in Ruddigore (May 1921-January 1924), Ruth in Ruddigore (July 1922-June 1923, when she wasn't playing Zorah), and Giulia in The Gondoliers (July 1921-January 1924), and also filled in on occasion for Anna Bethell as Chloe in Princess Ida when Miss Bethell was playing Melissa or was off.

In January 1924 she transferred to the second or "New" Company, appearing until June as the First Bridesmaid in Trial by Jury and Fleta in Iolanthe. From April until June 1924 she also appeared as Giulia in The Gondoliers.

The "New" Company repertoire was revamped for 1924-25, and Miss Kynaston was given Zorah in Ruddigore as her only named part. In the 1925-26 season, Patience joined the play list and Miss Kynaston took Lady Saphir. During both seasons she filled in on occasion as Mad Margaret in Ruddigore.

Marguerite Kynaston rejoined the Repertory Opera Company in June 1926, her duties limited to the chorus during the 1926-27 season. She shared Giulia in the now merged D'Oyly Carte Opera Company with Pauline Wootten in 1927-28 and with Nancy Hughes during the 1928-29 season.

Her marriages to D'Oyly Carte baritone Frank Tilton and, later, to Company Musical Director Isidore Godfrey both ended in divorce.

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