Opera Scotland

Lustigen Weiber von Windsor 1920Carl Rosa Opera Company

Read more about the opera Merry Wives of Windsor

The Carl Rosa revived Nicolai's charming comedy several times while Arthur Winckworth was available for the role of Falstaff. This line-up seems to be particularly rich in company stars.

The Edinburgh Evening News (19 April) referred to the Saturday evening performance.  "Mr Arthur Winckworth gave a magnificent presentation of the part of Falstaff,, while Miss Beatrice Miranda made one of her best appearances of the week in the role of Mrs Ford.  The other parts were all most capably filled.  A splendid account of the music was given by the orchestra under the conductorship of Mr Charles Webber." 

The Scotsman (19 April) said "Principals, chorus and orchestra seemed to enter heart and soul into the work which is as enjoyable for the performer as for the listener.  Miss Beatrice Miranda as Mrs Ford and Mrs Gladys Parr as Mrs Page gave full value tothe humour of the various situations in which they involve those against whom they are in league, and Miss Florence Barron made a charming Ann Page.  The Falstaff of Mr Arthur Winckworth was weighty and unctuous.  Mr Hebden Foster as the jealous Ford acted with abundant vivacity; while Mr Frederick Clendon's Mr Page, the Fenton of Mr Wilson Thornton, and Mr Albert Chapman's Dr Caius were all effective.  Throughout there was that fusion of singing and acting which is the hallmark of good operatic work.  The opera was handsomely put upon the stage, the final scene being very well done.  Mr Charles Webber conducted."

Cast details are from a programme in the Gardiner collection at the Mitchell Library; There is also one (for 17 April) in the archives of the Edinburgh Central Library.

Performance Cast

Mrs Ford Frau Fluth, wife of Ford

Beatrice Miranda

Mrs Page Frau Reich, wife of Page, Anne's mother

Doris Woodall

Anne Page Jungfer Anna Reich, daughter of Page

Florence Barron

Fenton a young gentleman

Wilson Thornton

Ford Herr Fluth, a Windsor merchant

Hebden Foster

Page Herr Reich, a Windsor merchant

Frederick Clendon

Slender Junker Spärlich, an elderly gentleman

Reginald Gordon

Dr Caius a French gentleman

Albert Chapman

Bardolph

Tom Hamilton

Sir John Falstaff a knight

Arthur Winckworth

Host of the 'Garter Inn'

Albert Broad

Performance DatesLustigen Weiber von Windsor 1920

Map List

Theatre Royal, Glasgow | Glasgow

11 Mar, 19.15 22 Mar, 19.15

Royal Lyceum Theatre | Edinburgh

17 Apr, 19.30

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