Original Cast Photographs
Durward Lely as Nanki-Poo
Mounted on paper
Inscribed: “From seventeen to forty-nine are considered years of indiscretion,” – Mr Durward Lely
Born James Durward Lyall, Durward Lely studied singing in Milan and appeared as Don Jose in Bizet’s operaCarmen at His Majesty’s Theatre in 1878. For Richard D’Oyly Carte’s company at the Savoy Theatre, he created many roles including the Duke of Dunstable in Patience (April 1881), and his greatest role, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado. Like George Grossmith, he appeared throughout its lengthy run. Nanki-Poo’s solo “A wand’ring minstrel I—a thing of shreds and patches” became one of the most popular of Victorian songs, often sung in the home, with piano accompaniment.
LENT BY THE IRVING S. GILMORE MUSIC LIBRARY, YALE UNIVERSITY
The Sidney Rose Collection of Gilbert and Sullivan, Box 7 Folder 1