|
|
 |
The announcement on Wednesday, 10th December 1975, that Brian Sharpe had died in his sleep came as a great shock to those who knew him in the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, and the matinee of "The Mikado" that day in Liverpool was given against a background of utter gloom.
I joined the Company with Brian in 1967 and it was obvious during the music rehearsals that here was a good strong tenor voice - with a marvelous sense of humour! Brian made friends very easily and always remained loyal to them. Most people in the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company enjoyed his lively company and witty conversation.
He was very proud to be a member of the D'Oyly Carte chorus, but when asked to perform as First Yeoman, and then as Leonard Meryll, did so with great panache. The "fans" will, of course, most readily bring to mind his superb business with John Reed as the Footman in Act II of The Gondoliers perfect timing from John and deadpan reaction from Brian.
He had to retire from the Company for a short period when his mother was seriously ill and in need of his care, but he was able to return for the Centenary season. His last performances for the Company were as a Lifeguard in "Utopia Limited" and in the Concert version of "The Grand Duke", and he is therefore one of a comparatively small list of Savoyards to have appeared in all thirteen operas. He is sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him.
Brian Sharpe, born in Hyde, Cheshire, was with the company from 1967 to 1972 and from 1974 - 1975. He played the parts of 1st Yeoman, Leonard Meryll and Francesco.
| Artist Index | Main Index |
