Cairns James

Lewis Cairns James (23 September 1865–7 October 1946) was a Scottish-born baritone, actor, educator and opera producer most prominent during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

While he was working as a young assistant master at Merthyr College in South Wales, the Principal recognised his theatrical talent and advised him to consider a career on the stage.

James received a letter of admonishment from W. S. Gilbert, who wrote, "no actor will ever find his way into our London Company who defies any authority in this respect.

However, by 8 August 1889 Gilbert wrote that "If C. James is decided upon, I should need a special clause about gagging &c. – The first offence to be followed by instant dismissal.

[8] The critic of The Tatler wrote: Although Naughty Nancy represents most things that Gilbert and Sullivanism abhorred it has brought back Mr. Cairns James to familiar ground, for he is an old Savoyard, and as such he has learnt the art of acting.

James played Captain Arthur Coddington in In Town and went on to appear in Mam'zelle Nitouche, Miss Decima, and A Gaiety Girl.

[10] James then toured of the United States, playing Governor Griffenfeld on Broadway in Gilbert and Carr's comic opera His Excellency (1895).

[13] James attributed his success as a teacher of elocution to the training he had received early in his career from Gilbert and Carte.

His final known appearance in London was in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane from December 1922 to January 1923.

[2] On retiring from the professional theatre James directed amateur operatic societies performing the Gilbert and Sullivan operas in Croydon during the 1920s and at Woolwich from 1938 to 1942.