The Collection

A comic opera in two acts, The Count of Como is set in the fictional 'Oblivia' and follows the events that unfold in the aftermath of the betrothal of the Grand Duke Otto's daughter with the 'rich but ridiculous' Crown Prince. The T.A.O.D.S staged their own production of the opera at the Regent Theatre Truro between the 21st and 25th of February, 1933. It was produced under the sole direction of Elsie A. Hall who was accompanied by Gordon Hall as musical director. The scenery was 'specially painted' by E. I. Ellery of Truro, who had extensively photographed a large number of the local aristocracy in the first two decades of the 1900s. Mr. Ellery was also the scenic artist and stage manager for the society and had painted the scenery for its productions since its formation. The dresses and wigs for the production were made by B. J. Simmons & Co., London who were best known for their historical costume designs. Daintily decorated, the programme is in keeping with the art-deco design trends of the era.