THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

Evelyn Vernon

(Mr.) Evelyn Vernon (1879-84)

[Born Dover, Kent 23 Dec 1857, died Harleston, London 13 May 1920]

Mr. Evelyn Vernon (real name Vernon Elliott Collier) appeared with at least three D'Oyly Carte companies between November 1879 and December 1884. A bass-baritone chorister and small part player, Vernon's first named part was Bob Beckett in H.M.S. Pinafore--he played the Carpenter's Mate on tour with Mr. D'Oyly Carte's "Second London" Company from November 1879 to February 1880. In December 1880 he married D'Oyly Carte mezzo-soprano Mary Duggan.

Vernon eventually transferred to the main Company before or during the initial run of Patience at the Opera Comique and Savoy (April 1881-November 1882). He later resumed touring--appearing as General Deelah in George Grossmith's curtain-raiser Cups and Saucers with Mr. D'Oyly Carte's No. 1 "Iolanthe" Company between February and December 1883 and March and December 1884.

Vernon later spent some time in America (how much is unclear), appearing on tour with Victoria Vokes in a play called Hubby in 1889. He subsequently returned to England, making London appearances in 1895 at the Prince of Wales's and Gaiety Theatres, 1900-01 at the Haymarket, 1904 at the Comedy, 1905 at the Avenue and Criterion, 1906 at the Comedy, and 1909 at the Garrick and Criterion. Of his London roles, only one (Count de Cideaux in the comic opera Amorelle, Comedy, 1904) was in a musical piece. He also appeared in one work by W. S. Gilbert, as Dr. Choquart in a revival of the drama Comedy and Tragedy (Criterion, May-June 1905). In his 1907-08 tour with the "Miss Tommy" Company he was joined by his wife and their daughter Norah.

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