Percy Heming

Percy Heming (6 September 1883 – 11 January 1956) was an English operatic baritone and actor born in Bristol. He trained at the Royal Academy of Music and built a career that encompassed both dramatic and comic operatic roles. Among his most recognized performances was the role of Scarpia in Tosca, though he was equally associated with comic parts and lighter operatic works.

Heming began his professional career working in productions under Sir Thomas Beecham before joining the British National Opera Company. His stage career extended until 1946, at which point he transitioned to an advisory role, serving as an artistic adviser at Covent Garden. His Broadway appearance came in 1920, when he performed in The Beggar's Opera.

During the First World War, Heming served in France with the Artists Rifles, initially holding the rank of corporal before receiving a commission as a lieutenant.

On 14 April 1914, Heming married Joyce Savage at Douglas, Isle of Man. The couple had a son, Michael Savage Heming, who became a composer. Michael was killed in action at El Alamein in 1942. Percy Heming died in a London hospital on 11 January 1956 at the age of 72.