Wimbledon Light Opera Society - musical theatre, amateur dramatics and operettas in Wimbledon, south-west London

Written by Sydney Grundy.   Composed by Arthur Sullivan

SYNOPSIS AND CAST

The clock of time has been put forward a century, and other liberties have been taken with history.

The entire action of the play takes place at Haddon Hall, the ancestral home of the Vernons. The opera is written round the romantic elopement of Miss Dorothy Vernon, daughter of Sir George and Lady Vernon, with John Manners, the young son of the Duke of Rutland. Sir George Vernon, a Royalist at heart, had inherited Haddon Hall, a beautiful stately pile. According to many opinions, his cousin Rupert had as good, if not a better claim to the estate. Rupert also has espoused the cause of the Roundheads, and Parliament looks with favour upon Rupert. When, therefore, he proposed marriage to the fair Dorothy, Sir George is pleased, as such a marriage will put all doubts at rest.  Dorothy, however, will not agree to the marriage. She is in love with John Manners to whom she has pledged her troth. 

Her father pleads with her but in vain. He suggests that her lover should acknowledge Parliament and so safeguard the estate, but Dorothy scorned such an idea. Sir George demands her obedience and leaves her in anger. Oswald, a friend of John Manners, now brings a letter to Dorothy, and a meeting between the lovers is effected, and the elopement planned. 

Rupert with his Puritan followers, comes to Haddon hall, is welcomed by Sir George. Though professing the rigid code of the Roundheads, he still longs for the gay and carefree ways of the Cavaliers. During a violent thunderstorm he hears the sound of merriment inside the Hall, while he and his followers have to remain outside, as it was considered sinful to participate in such frivolity. While there, they see a lady meet her lover, and ride off together. they purse them but in vain. 

A lawsuit brought by Rupert to gain the estate is decided in his favour, and he takes possession of Haddon Hall. Great sadness prevails.  Suddenly Oswald appears with the news of the return of King Charles and the demand for the estate to be returned to Sir George Veron. John Manners then enters with a warrant from the King. He makes himself known to Sir George and brings forward his bride, Dorothy. She begs forgiveness of her father, and all is well at Haddon Hall.

Musical Director:  J S Wardale L.R.A.M.

CAST