Evelyn Gardiner

Her first principal role with the company was Inez in The Gondoliers in 1923, and the following season, she occasionally filled in as the Duchess of Plaza-Toro in that opera.

[4][5] In 1931, Gardiner joined the J. C. Williamson Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, appearing with them for the next three seasons, and also in 1935, in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as the Duchess of Plaza-Toro in The Gondoliers, Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance, Dame Carruthers in The Yeomen of the Guard and other Gilbert and Sullivan contralto parts.

[1][4] In 1936, she returned to the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company for their American tour and then, over the following three years, she played the contralto roles in all their productions: Lady Sangazure in The Sorcerer, Little Buttercup in H.M.S.

She married Lieutenant Colonel Richard L. York, DSO in 1940[7] and enjoyed horseback riding, hunting and fishing, as well as drawing and interior decoration.

(Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services in raising support in Australia for relief efforts such as "Bundles for Britain".