Welsh National Opera Company Tours of 1890 and 1897

[SimonPencader]

Would anyone have any information on the tours of Joseph Parry's Welsh National Opera Company in 1890 and 1897?

Glamorgan Archives have a playbill from 1890 that shows that the Taff Vale, Rhymney and Great Western Railways all put on theatre specials from Monday June 2nd 1890 until Saturday June 7th.

The opera also toured extensively through South Wales and there are indications that it travelled by train. I am assuming that some sort of special train was put on as there would have been sets, costumes, instruments and perhaps as many as 100 people - there was a 50 strong choir and an "augmented band".

I would be grateful if anyone could confirm whether or not this was the case or point me in the right direction for further information, I'm thinking possibly WTTs or special notices if these exist?

I am asking on behalf of someone who is researching the history of the tours.

Many thanks,

Simon

[wokmad]

I suggest you try the Great Western Trust at Didcot. There is vast collection of GWR and pregrouping paperwork in the archive there, mostly bequeathed by avid collectors over the years. The archive is closed the public at present but one of the trustees should be able to help you. Contact details are on the Didcot Railway Centre website.
Robin Simmonds