THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

Frank Manning as Kedas in The Lucky Star

Frank Manning (1898-99)

[Born Islington, London c.1861, died London 24 Mar 1899]

Francis John Manning toured with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company "E" from January to December 1898. While on tour he played the small roles of First Yeoman in The Yeomen of the Guard and (from June) Baron Grog in The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein.

Manning's success as the comedic Baron Grog prompted the Cartes to cast him as Kedas, the Chief of Police, in The Lucky Star at the Savoy when that opera received it premiere in January 1899. Sadly, Manning didn't live to see the opera through its run. He and died of pneumonia on March 24, 1899, at the age of 38.

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