THE D'OYLY CARTE OPERA COMPANY

James Marsland in Trial by Jury

James Marsland (1949-70)

[Born Hyde, Cheshire 9 Sep 1912; died Manchester 2 Mar 2000]

Tenor James "Jimmie" Marsland was first exposed to Gilbert & Sullivan as a schoolboy with an amateur society in his native Cheshire. During World War II he was able to perform on occasion in army concert parties and toured for a time with Stars in Battle Dress. After the War, Jimmie appeared in The Dancing Years and Waltzes from Vienna before joining the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company chorus in December 1949.

He served in the chorus until March 1966 when he joined management as assistant producer, appearing from time to time the 1950s and '60s in the small part of Annibale in The Gondoliers. After becoming assistant producer he took on the non-speaking part of Mr. Bunthorne's Solicitor in Patience for four seasons (1966-70), and on occasion played the equally silent Associate in Trial by Jury during the 1967-68 season. He also continued to appear for a time as King Hildebrand's chamberlain in Princess Ida.

Marsland remained with the Company as its assistant producer until its last night on February 27, 1982. He produced some amateur productions, including a Princess Ida in Sale, in later years.

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