Opera Scotland

Yeomen of the Guard 1904D'Oyly Carte Principal Repertoire Company

Read more about the opera Yeomen of the Guard

 

 

A Farewell to the Dundee Theatre Manager

Dundee Courier & Argus: Monday, November 21 1904

Her Majesty’s Theatre - Interesting presentations

'An audience which filled Her Majesty’s Theatre from floor to ceiling was present on Saturday evening.  There were many attractions, the performance of The Yeomen of the Guard, Mr Eade Montefiore’s farewell, and his introduction of his successor, and presentations from the public and the staffs of Her Majesty’s Theatre, Dundee, and Aberdeen, to Mr Montefiore, on the occasion of his departure to take up the management of the Grand Theatre, Edinburgh.

'The first act of The Yeomen went splendidly, the company “working” grandly, and the audience being most enthusiastic.

'When the curtain fell on the first act of The Yeomen, Mr Montefiore appeared before it to say “Goodbye,” and to introduce his successor, Mr Perkins.  Mr Montefiore had, he said been sent to Dundee three years ago to raise the city from the theatrical rut into which it had fallen, to re-establish the theatre not only in the eyes of the Dundee public, but more especially in the eyes of the highest and best in the theatrical world, as a town deserving their attention.  How far he had succeeded he left the record of the past three years to speak for itself.  (Great applause).  He had acted the part of a missionary, he hoped and trusted, to the satisfaction of all. (Applause).  He begged to thank the staff of the theatres for their unfailing readiness and alacrity to carry through all he wished. (Applause).  Mr Montefiore then introduced Mr Perkins as his successor in office.

'Mr Perkins had a most cordial reception, and in a few words claimed the sympathies and encouragement and support of the public and the press.  Any mistakes he might make, he could assure them, would be more of the head than of the heart.  Mr Perkins announced that Mr Robert Arthur had informed him that the high status the theatre in Dundee had attained was to be maintained, and that the company bookings for the future would be as good as they had been in the past.

'The curtain was then raised, disclosing a number of gentlemen, besides the theatre staff, grouped on the stage.  Among those present were: - Mr George M Cox, Mr J Cox Methven, Mr H W Renny, Mr David Mackie, Mr J Mollison Kidd, Mr J B Taylor, Mr W F M Ross, Mr David Wylie, Colonel Smith, Councillor High, Mr Fernandez, Mr J Sims McArthur, Mr George Scrymgeour, Mr James Buchan, Mr Norval Scrymgeour, Mr T B Hennell, and Mr O Aubrey Maxwell.

'Mr Mollison Kidd asked Mr Montefiore to accept of an illuminated address, subscribed for by many friends, as a token of their good wishes and respect. (Applause).  He had also to ask Mr Montefiore to accept a cheque for £154 15s (Applause).

'Mr James M’Givern, Dundee, and Mr Davidson, Aberdeen, then presented Mr Montefiore with an illuminated address from the two staffs.  Mr Davidson also spoke.

'Mr Montefiore, in accepting the testimonials, referred to the goodwill displayed by the staffs of the two theatres through his old friend “Jimmy M’Givern,” to whom and to Mr Davidson, of the Aberdeen Theatre, and to Mr Guy Freeman, of Her Majesty’s, Dundee, he specially referred.  He appreciated the presence of so many influential gentlemen on the stage, because it showed that he had done some good work.  They sent him out of the city of Dundee with such substantial marks of appreciation that he was sure the people of Edinburgh would say, “If Dundee is satisfied, well, Edinburgh shall be also.” (Great applause).

'The addresses were beautifully illuminated.

'Among many letters of encouragement and goodwill, Mr Montefiore received one from Chief Constable Dewar, enclosing an unasked certificate to the effect that during the whole of the period Mr Montefiore had acted as manager of Her Majesty’s Theatre, Dundee, he had discharged the duty in a most satisfactory manner.  He was possessed of great energy, high business qualifications, and was a strict disciplinarian.  Captain Dewar was satisfied that few could be found to discharge similar duties more efficiently.

'The proceedings were throughout of the heartiest and most enthusiastic character.  At the end of the performance, Mr Montefiore took personal farewell of many of his friends and patrons of the Theatre.  He left Dundee yesterday afternoon, and begins his work in Edinburgh today.  The Grand Theatre opens on Saturday, 10th December, with a splendid production of Cinderella.'