Charles Roby Walenn (1867 – 30 May 1948) was an English singer and actor, best known for his performances in the comic baritone roles of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas with touring companies of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company from 1887 to 1909 and later, off and on through the 1920s, with J. C. Williamson in Australia. Later in his career, he became known for London engagements in the title role of Rev. Spalding in The Private Secretary, which he first played at the Savoy Theatre in 1917, where he had never performed in the Savoy operas. Life and career Early years and family Walenn was born in Islington, London, England. His father William Henry Walenn was a scientist and worked for many years at the Patent Office in London. His mother, Skene Charlotte (née Barth, 1837–1927) was musically trained but did not perform professionally. Nevertheless, her interest led to music professions of several of her children: Herbert Walenn was a cellist and professor at the Royal Academy of Music, Charles was a singer, another brother was an organist, and Gerald Walenn and a sister were violinists. Two other children found their way into art professions. His brother Cecil, known as Cecil Barth, was a theatrical manager who purchased the rights to the farces The Private Secretary and Charley's Aunt. From the age of 9, Walenn was a choir boy and sang solos in some of the principal churches and cathedrals in Britain. When his voice broke he turned his attention to analytical chemistry, but five years later he resumed his career as a singer. He married Amelia Emma Mary Rouseby, a singer and widow, in 1901 in London. D'Oyly Carte years Beginning in April 1887 Walenn performed with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, first in its European tour that ended in February 1888, as a chorister and understudy. His first principal role with the company was a brief stint in the small role of Major Murgatroyd in Patience in 1888. He continued to sing chorus on tour thereafter. In early 1891 he appeared briefly in the leading role of Giuseppe in The Gondoliers, and in the middle of that year, he assumed the parts of Pish-Tush in The Mikado and Antonio in The Gondoliers, always on tour. Finally, in September 1891, Walenn was promoted to play principal comic roles regularly in one of D'Oyly Carte's touring companies. His roles