THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

J. W. Turnbull

J. W. Turnbull (1911-23)

[Died 30 Jan 1925]

James W. Turnbull was a tenor chorister and understudy with the D'Oyly Carte Repertory Opera Company from September or October 1908 to September 1923. He played the small role of Francesco in The Gondoliers for virtually his entire career, beginning in May 1912 when he replaced Hollis Coote. In the early years he also filled in on occasion as Francesco in The Gondoliers (1911), Ralph Rackstraw in H.M.S. Pinafore (1914-15, 1918-19, 1920-21), Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance (1918-19), and Cyril in Princess Ida.

In July 1917 he added the Defendant in Trial by Jury and First Yeoman in The Yeomen of the Guard to his regular duties, and during the 1920-21 season shared Ralph Rackstraw with Derek Oldham. In July 1921 Turnbull gave up the Defendant to Leo Darnton. He finished his career with First Yeoman and Francesco in September 1923.

Turnbull was married to D'Oyly Carte chorister and wardrobe mistress Margaret Bull.

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