Some reports attribute this move to a search for a healthier climate,[4] others to his interest in veterinary science,[1] though it may have simply been "colonial experience".
[4] Returning to England, he studied for four years at the Guildhall School of Music, London where, though his voice encompassed a wide range (low D to top A), Sir Landon Ronald insisted on him singing bass.
In 1919 he joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, singing Gilbert and Sullivan, then in 1925 left for Australia[3] under contract to J. C. Williamson, remaining with his troupes for 25 years.
Manning retired in December 1950 and moved to Perth, where he married Mildred Hagenauer Le Souef, a biology teacher at Wesley College[1] and daughter of zoologist E. A.
[14] Their first production was HMS Pinafore at the Assembly Hall, co-produced by Nita Pannell and Manning, who also played Dick Deadeye.
[15] Beecham succeeded Manning as president of the Society,[16] which played The Pirates of Penzance for two weeks at His Majesty's Theatre in November 1953 to critical acclaim.