London Musicals 1955-1959.pub - Over The Footlights

TWENTY MINUTES SOUTHLondon run: St Martin’s Theatre, July 13 th (101 performances)Music: Peter GreenwellBook and lyrics: Maurice BrowningDirector: Hattie JacquesChoreographer: Ian StuartMusical Director: Peter Greenwell/ Robert Probst19553Cast: Daphne Anderson (Kitty), George Woodbridge (George Bannister) ,Joan Bailey (Jane Bannister), Louie Ramsay (Susan Bannister), Robin Hunter,John le Mesurier, Douglas Squires.Songs: The 8.27, Typing Typing,One of the Family, HavingOurselves a Wonderful Time, The5.27, The Addison MamboNotes: This began at the PlayersTheatre, and was a story ofsuburbia – ordinary peopleleading ordinary lives, commutingsix days a week from suburbanAddison Park to their jobs inTown. The Banister family arevery happy out-of-town until thearrival of an interfering cousin,Kitty. However, it all ends happilywith a group wedding.Photo by Bryan BrakeWILD THYMELondon run: Duke of York’s, July 14 th (52 performances)Music: Donald SwannBook and lyrics: Philip GuardDirector-Choreographer: Wendy ToyeMusical Director: Donald SwannProducer: Laurier Lister (Theatre Royal, Bath)Cast: Betty Paul (Yvette Leroux), Denis Quilley (Geoff Morris) , Colin Gordon,Jane Wenham, Gwen Nelson,Julian Orchard, Ronald WardSongs: Even for a Day, LonelyDay, Kiss Me Like That Again, ICan Remember, the Beetles and the ButterflyStory: Geoff Morris, a bored railway porter with ambitions tobecome a singer, meets Yvette Leroux, a French opera singer ,unhappily married to her huband/manager. They run away to theDevonshire village of Wild Thyme, meeting goofy hikers and oldyokels for some very old-fashioned comedy scenes. It was alsowritten throughout in rhyming couplets!Notes: The critics claimed it was whimsical, charming, but veryold-fashioned, and were especially disturbed by the strangescenery design – a series of black and white backcloths drawn bythe cartoonist Ronald Searle. The show was produced at theTheatre Royal Bath and underwent a short tour before cominginto town. It managed a seven week run before it was withdrawn.Colin Gordon, Betty Paul & Denis Quilley

THE WATER GIPSIESLondon run: Winter Garden Theatre, August 31st(239 Performances)Music: Vivian EllisBook and Lyrics: A.P.HerbertDirector: Charles HickmanChoreographer: Narice AllenMusical Director: Jack ColesProducer: Peter SaundersCast: Jerry Verno (Albert Bell) , Dora Bryan (Lily),Pamela Charles (Jane), Roy Godfrey (Bunny Moss),Laurie Payne (Fred), Peter Graves (Mr Bryan),Doris Hare (Landlady)Songs: Why Did You Call Me Lily?, Why Should Spring Haveall the Flowers?, When I’m Washing Up, Castles and Hearts andRoses, It Would Cramp My Style1955Jerry Verno, Dora Bryan and Pamela CharlesStory: Albert Bell is an old music-hallmusician living on a barge on the Thames with his two daughters, Lily and Jane.Lily is warm hearted and out for a good time, not too serious about her flashyboyfriend, Bunny Moss. Jane is more serious and gets engaged to the brashcommunist son of the pub landlady, thus disappointing her childhood sweetheart,the young bargee Fred, and the handsome artist Mr Bryan. In the end all turns outwell, with Fred carrying Jane over the “threshold” onto his barge.Notes: A.P. Herbert’s 1930s successful novel “The Water Gipsies” had been turnedinto a film in 1931, and Herbert and Vivian Ellis had written one song for the film.25 years later the pair got together again and decided to turn it into a full-scalemusical. The show itself did not attract particularly good reviews, but the critics allraved about the brilliant performance of Dora Bryan, and the public flocked to seethe former revue performer who had become an overnight star.4Unknown CreditROMANCE IN CANDLELIGHTLondon run : Piccadilly Theatre, September 15 th (53 performances)Music and lyrics: Sam CoslowBook : Eric MaschwitzDirector: Richard BirdChoreographer: Phyllis BlakstonMusical Director: Alexander FarisProducer: Emile LittlerCast: Sally Ann Howes (The Lady), Patricia Burke (The Maid),Jacques Pils (The Valet), Roger Dann (The Marquis)Songs: Toujour l’Amour, The Lady Was Made to Be Loved,Bonjour Finis, Fromage, My Heart Says Yes, Formidable (*)Story: A valet dressed up as his master entertains a high-born lady;at the same time the master, dressed as his valet, entertains the highbornlady’s maid.Notes: Based on the 1928 play “By Candlelight” by Siegfried Geyerand Carl Farkas, which in itself had been adapted from a Germanoriginal, this was a small-scale show with a cast of just eight. Theadditional chorus of four backing singers worked entirely offstage.The critics hated it and it survived just two months.(*) The only praise in the show was for the song “Formidable” andthis was not actually written by Sam Coslow but was an interpolatedsong by the French writer Gilbert Bécaud.Sally Ann Howes and Jacques PilsUnknown Credit

THE PAJAMA GAMELondon run: Coliseum, October 13 th(588 Performances)Music & Lyrics: Richard Adler & Jerry RossBook: George Abbott & Richard BissellDirector: George Abbott & Jerome RobbinsRe-staged by Robert E. GriffithChoreographer: Bob FosseRe-created by Zoya LeporskaMusical Director: Robert LoweProducer: Prince LittlerCast: Max Wall (Hines),Joy Nichols (Babe Williams),Edmund Hockridge (Sid Sorokin),Elizabeth Seal (Gladys),Joan Emney (Mabel), Frank Lawless (Prez)1955Johnny Greenland, Elizabeth Seal and Ivor Meggido in “Steam Heat”Story: The workers in the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are threatening to go on strike unless they get their 7½cents pay rise. However, the new superintendant, Sid Sorokin, falls in love with Babe Williams (the leader ofthe workers’ Grievance Committee) and their romance is threatened by the Union dispute. All ends happilythanks to secretary Gladys obtaining some secret information for Sid, though this causes misunderstanding andjealousy with her own boyfriend, the time-and-motion-study man, Hines.Songs: Racing with the Clock, I’m Not at all in Love, I’ll Never Be Jealous Again,Hey There, Once a Year Day, Steam Heat, Hernando’s Hideaway, Seven-and-a-HalfCentsNotes: Based on Richard Bissell’s novel “7½ Cents”, the Broadway productionmarked Bob Fosse’s debut as a choreographer. In the London production ElizabethSeal scored a great hit in her first featured role thanks to the superbly staged “SteamHeat” number. Richard Bissell later wrote a novel about his experience in making andstaging “The Pajama Game” and this novel was then adapted into a musical called“Say Darling” with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Betty Comden and AdolphGreen. In 1958 this “musical about the making of a musical” played 332performances on Broadway.5Photo by RimisPhoto by Houston-RogersA GIRL CALLED JOLondon run: Piccadilly Theatre, December 15 th(141 performances)Music: John Pritchett and Stanley MyersBook & Lyrics: Peter Myers, Alec Grahame & David ClimieDirector: Denis CareyChoreographer: Michael CharnleyMusical Director: Mark LubbockProducer: Linnet & DunfeeCast: Joan Heal (Jo), Diane Todd (Beth),Marion Grimaldi (Meg) , Denis Quilley (Laurie),Edward Woodward (John Brooke),Kenneth Edwards (Mr March), Noele Dyson (Mrs March)Songs: It’s a White World, Oh What a Party it will Be, When They Play the Polka, Returning from the Ball,Why Do I Feel Like This?, Bread and Cheese and Kisses, Whither You Go Love, Look to the Sun.Notes: The story stretches over fourteen scenes during the course of one year in New York, New England andEurope and tells the story of the tomboy Jo March and her sisters in a series of episodes remembered from theoriginal book. Adapted from Louisa M Alcot’s “Little Women” ,the show contained 28 musical numbersincluding two principal ballets, one set in New York and the other in “old” Europe. By trying to encapsulatemost of the original book in the show it was long, perfunctory and offered the characters little chance todevelop or make much impact. However, Joan Heal in the title role scored a personal success.

PLAIN AND FANCYLondon run: Drury Lane, January 25 th (315 Performances)Music: Albert HagueLyrics: Arnold B. HorwittBook: Joseph Stein & Will GlickmanDirector: Morton da CostaChoreographer: Helen TamarisCast: Shirl Conway (Ruth Winters), Richard Derr (Dan King),Malcolm Keen (Papa Yoder), Grace O’Connor (Katie), Reed de Rouen (Ezra Reber),Joan Hovis (Hilda Miller), Jack Drummond (Peter Reber)Songs: Young and Foolish, Follow Your Heart, Plenty of Pennsylvania, How do youRaise a Barn?, It’s a Helluva Way to Run a Love Affair.19566Story: New Yorkers Don King and his girlfriend Ruth Winters travel to the remote Amish community of Birdin-Hand,where Don has inherited a farm, and wants to sell it to an Amish farmer, Papa Yoder. Yoder’sdaughter, Katie, is about to go through anarranged marriage to Ezra Reber, though sheloves an old flame, Peter, Ezra’s brother. Peterhas left the community and returns just beforethe wedding, only to be shunned by thetownsfolk. When the barn burns down, Peter isaccused of putting a hex on it.All is resolved when Peter’s bravery in a crisisgains him the respect of Papa Yoder, and theyoung couple are allowed to marry. Don andRuth make it a double wedding.Notes: This was known as the show in whichthey built a barn onstage. The opening of Act 2had a most spectacular three-minute song wherethe company constructed a complete barn in fullsight of the audience. In the original Broadwayproduction Barbara Cook became an overnightstar in the role of Hilda Miller.SHE SMILED AT MELondon run: St Martin’s Theatre, February 2 nd (4 performances)Book, music and lyrics: Allon BaconDirector: Jack WilliamsChoreographer: Thurza RogersMusical Director: Harry TaitProducer: Melville GillamCast: Peter Byrne (George D’Alroy), Jean Kent (Esther Eccles),Hugh Paddick (Sam Gerridge), Mercy Haystead (Polly),Linda Gray (Marquise de St Maur)Songs: Pity the Working Man, Stick T’Yer Class, Life is an Empty Thing, Marry for LoveStory: Despite the warnings of his friend, Hawtree, about the importance of “caste” and social class, the HonGeorge D’Alroy woos and weds the beautiful dancer Esther Eccles, whose father is a drunkard. Esther’s sister,Polly, marries the honest plumber, Sam Gerridge. George is posted to India and a report comes back that hehas been killed. Esther refuses to “sell” their child to George’s mother, the Marquise de St Maur, knowing theywill survive with the help of Polly and Sam and her own earnings by returning to the stage. George reappears,having survived and escaped, and is delighted with Esther’s resourcefulness.Notes: Based on the play “Caste” by Tom Robertson, this had originated at the Connaught Theatre, Worthing.To make it more attractive for the West End, the original leading lady was replaced by film star Jean Kent. Itwas booed on the opening night, and came off the same week.

THE THREEPENNY OPERALondon run: Royal Court, February 9 th (141 Performances)Transferred to Aldwych March 21 stMusic: Kurt WeillLyrics: Bertolt Brecht (translated Marc Blitzstein)Director: Sam WanamakerMusical Director: Berthold Goldschmidt19567Cast: Ewan MacColl (Street Singer), Eric Pohlmann (Peachum),Lisa Lee (Mrs Peachum), Daphne Anderson (Polly),Maria Remusat (Jenny), Georgia Brown (Lucy),Bill Owen (Mack the Knife)Story: Macheath, also known as Mack the Knife, is a gangsterwho marries Polly Peachum, the daughter of Soho’s “Mr Big”.Mack is betrayed by his parents–in-law, and sent to NewgatePrison. There another flame, Lucy, the daughter of the policecommissioner, helps him escape and he hides in his favouritebrothel. However, Pirate Jenny, yet another flame, betrays himonce more, and he is sentenced to hang. Mack receives a lastminuteroyal pardon, and in a mock-heroic ending he received atitle, a pension and a castle.Daphne Anderson, Bill Owenand Georgia BrownPhoto by Kevin MacDonnellNotes: The play was given an Edwardian background and, unusually for the time, had the band onstagethroughout, playing in a decorative bandstand at the back of the stage. It was based on John Gay’s “Beggar’sOpera” (1728) and had been a revolutionary production in Berlin in the late 1920s.SUMMER SONGLondon run: Princes Theatre, February 16 th (148 Performances)Music: Dvorak (arranged by Bernard Grun)Lyrics: Eric MaschwitzBook: Hy Craft & Eric MaschwitzCast: Sally Ann Howes (Karolka), David Hughes (Shaun),Laurence Naismith (Dvorak), Mark Daly (Uncle Marek),Marjorie Rhodes (Ma Flannagan), Derek Sydney (Jake)Songs: Once a Year is Not Enough, Just Around the Corner, One Boy Sends You aRose, Deep Blue Evening, Small Town SweetheartPhoto by BaronSally Ann Howes as Karolka at the Bohemian weddingStory: Whilst on tour through the MiddleWest with his homesick orchestra, thecomposer Dvorak meets Karolka, en route tojoin her uncle in the Czech community inWillow Falls. He decides to go with her,pretending to be just a player in his ownorchestra. They find Willow Falls is not thebeautiful town described by Uncle Marek, andDvorak is forced to take a job as a piano playerin Ma Flannagan’s saloon. Karolka falls inlove with Ma Flannagan’s son, Shaun, but MaFlannagan through her wicked agent, Jake,intends to foreclose on Marek’s mortgage.Misunderstandings follow, all solved byDvorak and there is, of course, a happyending.

THE BUCCANEERLondon run: Apollo Theatre, February 22 nd (29 Performances)Music, book and lyrics: Sandy WilsonDirector: William ChappellMusical Director: Charles ZwarProducer: H.M.Tennent Ltd19568Cast: Betty Warren (Mrs Barraclough),Kenneth Williams (Montgomery), Sally Bazeley (Mabel),John Faassen (Peter), Ronald Radd, Thelma Ruby, Pamela Tearle.Story: “The Buccaneer” is a long-established boys’ comic featuringCaptain Fairbrother, the heroic old-British hero type. The comic isnow run by the widowed Mrs Barraclough. Sales are falling, andthe American Walter Maximus want to take it over and update itwith sex-appeal and space-age adventures. The clash between theOld, the Middle-Aged and the Young forms the basis of a romanticand charming musical.Songs: Good Clean Fun, Unromantic Us, Just Pals, Oh What aBeautiful Brain, In the Good Old USA, Why Did it Have to BeSpring?Sally Bazeley, Kenneth Williams,John FaassenNotes: It had opened at the Lyric Hammersmith in September 1955 and after a successful run of 170performances transferred to the Apollo, where, sadly, it failed to catch on.Photo by Angus McBeanTREVALLIONLondon run: Palace Theatre, March 21 st (4 performances)Music: Roy PhillipsLyrics: Philip PhillipsBook: Philip Phillips & Malcolm MorleyDirector: Malcolm MorleyMusical Director: Charles BrillProducer: Peter DaubeneyCast: Jean Carrol (Prudence Haycorn), Dennis Noble (Farmer Haycorn),Richard Goolden (Gaffer Chickwidden), Edmund Donleavy (Joe Pink), Joan Wood (Flo Pink).Story: Set in Cornwall, this was a story of a romance, an escaped convict and a stolen necklace, all performedin the style of a comic opera.Notes: “The Stage” described it as “crude” and “undramatic” and “an amateurish concoction of clichés withoutwit and with music that never rises above the commonplace.” In the enormous Palace Theatre it closed afterjust 3 days..COMEDY OF ERRORSLondon run: Arts Theatre, March 28 th (Season)Music: Julian SladeBook & Lyrics: Lionel Harris and Robert McNabDirector: Lionel HarrisMusical Director: Myer FredmanCast: James Maxwell (Duke), Bernard Cribbins (Dromio),David Peel (Antipholus of Ephesus), Frederick Jaeger (Antipholus of Syracuse),Patricia Routledge (Adriana), Jane Wenham (Luciana)Songs: I Shall No More to Sea, When Woman Weeps, Come I Will Fasten, GetThee From the Door, Who Would Be Jealous? Let’s Go Hand in HandNotes: Originally created as a comic operetta for BBC-TV and broadcast on 16May 1954. The production had a limited run at the Arts prior to a furthertelevision broadcast on 21 May 1956 for ITV

WILD GROWS THE HEATHERLondon run: London Hippodrome, May 3 rd (28 performances)Music: “Robert Lindon” (Jack Waller & Joseph Tunbridge)Lyrics: “William Henry” (Ralph Reader)Book : Hugh Ross WilliamsonDirector: Ralph ReaderChoreographer: Gilbert VernonMusical Director: Lew StoneProducer: Jack WallerCast: Bill O’Connor (Rev Dishart), Valerie Miller (Lady Babbie),Gerald Welch (Lord Rintoul) , Madeleine Christie, Peter SinclairSongs: A Little Bit of Devil, I See Everything I Love in You, Walking to the Kirk, IOnce Had a Wonderful Day.Story: Set among the weavers of rural Scotland, this is a story of class and labour problems and the newminister, the staid and upright Rev Gavin Dishart. Lord Rintoul is determined to get the local gipsies off hisland, but his ward, the Lady Babbie , disguises herself as a gypsy girl to protect them from her guardian.Initially the conservative Dishart is appalled by the feisty girl, but he soon falls in love with this “gypsy”, andtheir romance causes the townspeople to ban him from the church until Babbie's true identity is revealed.Notes: Based on J.M.Barrie’s “The Little Minister”, this was a much hyped show, with nationwide auditionsto find suitable and genuine Scottish performers (though the producer ended up with a Canadian in the lead!)The music was attributed to the fictitious Robert Lindon to hide the fact that the real composer, JosephTunbridge, was long dead, and all the songs came out of his trunk of old unused songs. The show evenincorporated the Negro spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand” sung in Scottish accents. Becauseof Ralph Reader’s background the opening night was packed with Boy Scouts who cheered every song to therafters. However, the critics hated it and it came off after two and a half weeks.JUBILEE GIRLLondon run: Victoria Palace, June 14 th (53 performances)Music: Alexander Kevin (A.K.Kaplan)Book & Lyrics: Robin Fordyce & David Rogers.Director: George Hall & Casper WredeChoreographer : Peter DarrellMusical Director: Leonard Morris1956Cast: Maureen Quinney (Pauline Beam), John Morley (Lord Charles Graine),George Benson (Duke of Epping), Iris Tully (Mrs Pullar),Joyce Barbour (Dowager Lady Graine)Story: Set in 1887, the year of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. In between the pompand ceremony involving Lords, Ladies and assorted aristocrats, there is the storyof Pauline Beam, a “new” woman from the feminist movement, and Lord Charles Graine, scion of the noblestkind, who in spite of social and family differences, end up as husband and wife by the final curtain. The showalso offered great spectacle: scenes at Paddington Station, Royal Ascot, the Henley Regatta, and visualprocessionals of Siamese Princesses, Indian Rajahs, Russian Princes, Hawaiian chieftains. The whole thingwas jaw-droppingly lavish and totally lacking in any real plot or music.Notes: The composer, wealthy Canadian, Alan Kaplan, and his wife, the Marks & Spencer heiress lavishedgreat sums of money on their ideal cast : Lizabeth Webb (Pauline), Tom Criddle (Lord Charles), Marie Lohr(the Dowager Lady Graine), Irene Handl (as Mrs Pullar the Feminist) and the top star Leslie Henson (Percival,the Duke of Epping). The director/choreographer was Bert Stimmel. During rehearsals Leslie Henson walkedout, and was replaced with George Benson. After the second week of the pre-London tour, the director wasreplaced with the joint team of Leslie Bricusse and Frederick Raphael, who rewrote the whole show. Then anew choreographer, Alfred Rodrigues, was engaged and he re-did all the dances. In the fourth week IreneHandl and Tom Criddle were replaced, and then the leading lady, Lizabeth Webb walked out. It was decided tocancel the whole show at the end of the Manchester run on May 12 th . Suddenly the Victoria Palace wasavailable provided the show would play twice-nightly. Incredibly, Mr and Mrs Kaplan (with more money thansense!) decided to pull the whole thing together again with yet further replacements of the directors andchoreographer and the star, Marie Lohr, who refused to do twice nightly . The show limped through a fewweeks and then disappeared.9

FANNYLondon run: Drury Lane, November 15 th(347 Performances)Music & Lyrics: Harold RomeBook: S.N.Behrman & Joshua LoganDirector: William HammersteinChoreographer: Onna WhiteMusical Director: Michael CollinsProducer: S.A.GorlinskyCast: Ian Wallace (César),Robert Morley (Panisse),Janet Pavek (Fanny), Kevin Scott (Marius),Mona Washbourne (Honorine),Robert Passfield (Césario)Songs: Never Too Late for Love, Restless Heart, Why Be Afraid to Dance? Fanny, Love is a Very Light Thing.Story: Set on the waterfront in Marseilles, Césars’s son, Marius, loves Fanny, but goes away to sea. Fanny, whois pregnant, accepts the marriage proposal of César’s friend, the middle-aged Panisse, who brings up the boy,Césario, as his own. When Marius returns some years later Césario wants to get to know his real father, but Césarinsists that he stays with Panisse, and so Marius refuses to meet him. Césario goes back to Panisse, who knowingthat he is dying, pleads with Fanny to make a life together with Marius and the boy who means so much to themall.Notes: This was based on Marcel Pagnol’s 1930s film trilogy: “Marius”, “Fanny” and “César”. In the USA itmarked the debut of one of Broadway’s most important post-war producers, David MerrickGRAB ME A GONDOLALondon run: Lyric Theatre, December 26 th (673 performances)Music: James GilbertBook and Lyrics: Julian More & James GilbertDirector: John CounsellChoreographer: Eleanor FazanMusical Director: Stanley MyersProducer: Donald Albery & Neil CrawfordCast: Joan Heal (Virginia Jones) , Denis Quilley (Tom Wilson),Jane Wenham(Margaret Kyle), Donald Hewlett (Alex Bryan),Guido Lorraine (Prince Luigi Bourbon), Joyce Blair (Marcia Grey)Songs: The Motor Car is Treacherous, Cravin’ for the Avon, Bid Him a Fond Goodbye,Lonely in a Crowd, Rockin’ at the Cannon Ball, When I Find That Girl.1956Story: Tom Wilson, a reporter, has gone to Venice Film Festival to interview the starlet Virginia Jones – thelatest hot property known for her daring mink bikini.Tom’s girl-friend, Margaret, is worried that Tom’s interestin Virginia is not entirely professional, and then Tom isworried when Margaret is flattered by the attentions of thewealthy Prince Luigi. However, Tom is not the cheatingkind, and Virginia needs the Prince to finance herShakespearean ambitions (“Cravin’ for the Avon”). Soeveryone is paired off appropriately and a happy endingensues.10Unknown creditPhoto by Houston-RogersNotes: Opened at the Theatre Royal Windsor in October,transferred to Lyric Hammersmith November 27 th , then tothe Lyric, Shaftesbury Avenue on Boxing Day for a longand successful run.Peter Brett, Ron Shaw, Roy Jameson, Terence Theobaldwith Joan Heal “Cravin’ for the Avon”

THE CRYSTAL HEARTLondon Run: Saville Theatre, February 19 th (7 performances)Music: Baldwin BergersenBook & Lyrics: William ArchibaldDirector: Bill ButlerChoreographer: Ray HarrisonCast: Gladys Cooper (Phoebe Ricketts), Laurie Payne (Ted),Julia Shelley (Louisa Hatfield), Dilys Laye (Virtue)Songs: I Wanted to See the World, How Strange the Silence, HandsomeHusbands, D-o-g spells Dog (So how does one spell Love), It’s so British,Madam I Beg You.195711Story: The story concerns Dame Phoebe Ricketts, a rich widow obliged by the terms of her late husband’s willto live out her life on a desolate island, attended by a retinue of just women. One day a boatload of handsomemen are washed onto the island.Notes: The story was almost surreal, and Gladys Cooper in her 70 th year was playing a role described as “ aportrait of an elderly romantic somewhere between one of Tennessee Williams’s Southern pretty-belles and theMadwoman of Chaillot. It was an enormous flop. The closing notice went up on the second night. Threeyears later the authors attempted to revive the show off-Broadway – but again it folded in its first week.DAMN YANKEESLondon run: Coliseum, March 28th (258 Performances)Music & Lyrics: Richard Adler & Jerry RossBook: George Abbott & Douglass WallopDirector: George Abbott (restaged by James Hammerstein)Choreographer: Bob Fosse (reproduced by Zoya Leporska)Musical Director: Robert LoweProducer: Williamson Music LtdCast: Belita (Lola), Ivor Emmanuel (Joe Hardy), Bill Kerr (Mr Applegate),Donald Stewart, Betty Paul, Robin HunterSongs: You’ve Gotta Have Heart, Shoeless Jo from Hannibal Mo, Those Were theGood Old Days, Whatever Lola Wants, A Man Doesn’t KnowStory: Joe Hardy, a middle-aged baseballenthusiast, sells his soul to the devil, inthe guise of Mr Applegate, in return forthe chance to play with the WashingtonSenators. After a sensationally successfulseason the pact is up, but fortunately Joefinds a loophole in the original contract.In spite of the efforts of Mr Applegate’sseductress, Lola, Joe is able to return tohis long-suffering wife.Photo by RimisNotes: Based on Douglass Wallop’s novel“The Day the Yankees Lost the Pennant”,the original Broadway production madean overnight star of Gwen Verdon in therole of Lola. In London Elizabeth Sealsucceeded Belita soon after the opening.

ZULEIKALondon run: Saville Theatre, April 11 th (124 performances)Music: Peter TranchellBook and Lyrics: James FermanDirector: Alfred Rodrigues & Peter PowellChoreographer: Eleanor FazanMusical Director: Ron Grainer and later Charles MackerrasProducer: Donald AlberyCast: Mildred Mayne (Zuleika), David Morton (Duke of Dorset),Peter Woodthorpe (Noaks) , Patricia Routledge,, John Gower,Peter Murray.195712Songs: City of Repose, Zuleika’s Travels, It’s My Doorstep Too, AnythingCan Happen, Always Be Wary of Women, I Want a Man to Say NoStory: Zuleika Dobson causes a sensation when she arrives at the all-maleenclave of Judas College, Oxford where her grandfather is the warden. Thefirst to fall in love with her is the Duke of Dorset, followed by Noaks,another student, and then by the entire student body. However, Zuleikarejects them all because she can only fall inMildred Mayne and David Mortonlove with someone who does not love her inreturn. The rejected suitors one by one decide to drown themselves and leap intothe River Isis. When there are no men left, Zuleika moves on to CambridgeUniversity, where a scornful man – made of stronger stuff than the Oxfordians,finally brings her to heel.HARMONY CLOSELondon run : Lyric, Hammersmith. April 17 th(62 performances)Music: Ronald Cass & Charles RossBook & lyrics: Charles Ross;Director: Charles RossChoreographer: Ross TaylorMusical Director: Leonard MorrisCast: Zack Matalon (Jim Sinclair), Jo Ann Bayless (JillGrant), James Raglan (Colonel Carruthers), Rose Hill(Dolly Gander), Colin Croft (Robin Webster),Barry Kent, Barbara Ferris, Bernard CribbinsNotes: This was based on the 1911 novel “Zuleika Dobson” by Max Beerbohm.The pre-London tour opened with the young Australian actress Diane Cilento inthe title role. However, she failed to appear on the second night, and herunderstudy took over. Diane Cilento returned a few days later, but two weekslater there were rumours she had tried to slash her wrists during the Oxford week.She was replaced with Mildred Mayne, and eleven days later the show opened inthe West End. It survived just over three months.Zack Matalon and Jo Ann BaylessSongs: London is a Village, Nothing to do in London, Lovely Weather for Ducks, Exercising the Dog, I GoRound in a WhirlStory: Harmony Close is a series of mews that have been titivated for human occupation, and tenanted by theold-time retired Colonel Carruthers, Dolly Gander, a retired “Madam”, a business executive, Jim Sinclair, ayoung writer, and Jill Grant, a would-be young actress. The community is a mix of the old, the middle-agedand the young. The various love affairs and secrets are mixed with blackmail when Robin Webster tries toextort money as the price of his silence, but virtue triumphs in the final scene when everyone admits theirindiscretions and harmony reigns.Notes: After seven weeks at Hammersmith, the show failed to come into the West End and seems not to havebeen performed again.Photo by David SimPhoto by Denis de Marney

FREE AS AIRLondon run: Savoy Theatre, June 6 th (417 performances)Music: Julian SladeBook and lyrics: Julian Slade and Dorothy ReynoldsDirector: Denis CareyChoreographer: Mark StuartMusical Director: Philip MartellProducer: Linnit & DunfeeCast: Gillian Lewis (Geraldine Melford),John Trevor (Albert Postumous),Michael Aldridge (Lord Postumous),Gerald Harper (Jack Amersham),Josephine Tewson (Ivy Crush), Patricia Bredin,Dorothy Reynolds, Leonard Rossiter.Songs: The Time of My Life, We’re Holding Hands, Free as Air, I’d Like to BeLike You, Her Mummy Doesn’t Like Me Anymore, Holiday Island195713Story: The heroine, Geraldine Melford, is a wealthy young heiress who decidesto move to the (fictitious) Channel Island of Terhou to escape the Press and tolive an unsophisticated life. She falls under the spell of the Island, much helpedby Albert, son of Lord Postumous, the Lord of the Manor, and is elected theisland’s Queen of the Year. Her peace is disturbed when her fiancé, JackAmersham, a racing driver with a roving eye, and a pushy woman reporternamed Ivy Crush, arrive on the island in search of her. But Ivy too falls underthe Island’s spell, and romance takes a hand all round in a happy ending.Gillian Lewis and John TrevorPhoto by Houston-RogersOH! MY PAPA!London run: Garrick Theatre, July 17 th (45 performances)Music: Paul BurkhardLyrics & Book: Juerg Amstein & Erik CharellDirector: Warren JenkinsMusical Director:Cast: Paul Curran (Mr Oberholzer), Sonia Rees (Anna), Laurie Payne (Uncle Alex), Rachel Roberts (Iduna),Phyllida Law (Katie), Roy Skelton (Robert) , Peter O’Toole (Uncle Gustave).Rachel Roberts surrounded by the three Oberholzer UnclesSongs: Oh my Papa, My Pony Johnny, Tiri-LeeTiri-La, Cuircus Song, Lion Tamer’s Song, TheCoughing SongStory: The celebration for Mr Oberholzer’s60 th birthday is interrupted with the unexpectedarrival of the black sheep of the family – UncleAlex and Iduna – a circus ringmaster and hisequestrienne wife. The respectable family isthreatened when Oberholzer’s daughter, Anna,and his three other brothers succumb to theglamour of the circus, and their captivatingrelative. Further comic complications are addedby Katie, the family’s temperamental cook, andby Robert, the local gardener in love with Anna.The show ends happily with a big, spectacularcircus scene .Notes: The title song had already become aNumber One hit as performed by the “man withthe golden trumpet”, Eddie Calvert. However,the show was not a success.

MEET ME BY MOONLIGHTLondon run: Aldwych Theatre, August 1 st( 148 Performances)Music: Various Victorian composersLyrics & Book: Anthony Lesser and Joy Whitby.Director: Terence Dudley195714Cast: Ellis Irving (Henry Mansfield),Sophie Stewart (Aunt Tabitha),Sonia Graham (Mary Ellen),Stephanie Voss (Sarah), Michael Denison(Charles Cuttinghame), Jeremy Brett (Roderick)Story: Henry Mansfield, a pompous VictorianPapa, has three daughters and a household run byhis sister, Aunt Tabitha, who is anxious to marryJeremy Brett and Sonia Grahamoff Mary Ellen, the eldest daughter as soon aspossible. But Mary Ellen is carrying on a secret romance with the mysterious “Roderick”, but this changeswith the arrival of Charles Cuttinghame, a legal friend of her father. A worried Roderick fakes an introductioninto the household and is immediately considered by Aunt Tabitha as a suitor for the Sarah, the seconddaughter. However, his mystery is explained and by the end Roderick and Sarah, Mary Ellen and Charles arehappily paired off.Notes: This was originally staged at the Playhouse Salisbury.Photo by Roger WoodBELLS ARE RINGINGLondon run: Coliseum, November 14 th (292 Performances)Music: Jule StyneLyrics & Book: Betty Comden & Adolph GreenDirector: Jerome Robbins (restaged by Gerald Freedman)Choreographer: Jerome Robbins & Bob Fosse (restaged by Robert Tucker)Musical Director: Reginald BurstonProducer: S.A.GorlinskyCast: Janet Blair (Ella Peterson), George Gaynes (Jeff Moss), Allyn McLerie ,Eddie Molloy,Songs: Just in Time, Long Before I Knew You, The Party’s Over,Hello Hello There, Mu-Cha-Cha, Drop That Name, I’m Going Back.Unknown creditStory: Ella Peterson is a meddlesome switchboard operator at Susanwerphone answering service. She falls inlove with would-be playwright, Jeff Moss, even though they have never met. Jeff thinks she’s just a motherlyold lady. Ella’s identity iskept from him as she tries tohelp his writer’s block as thescene moves from thesubway, to Central Park, to apenthouse and severalnightclubs. All ends happilyand romantically.Notes: The show wasspecially written for JudyHolliday, exploiting herparticular talents and comicskills and, indeed, she becamea star as a result of theBroadway production.

KEEP YOUR HAIR ONLondon run: Apollo Theatre, February 13 th (20 performances)Music: John AddisonLyrics & Book: John CrankoDirector: John CrankoMusical Director: Anthony BowlesCast: Rachel Roberts (Mabel), Erik Mork (Olaf), Betty Marsden (Lady ffloyte-Bowen),Eric Thompson (Sir William Jumbleby), Barbara Windsor.195815Songs: True Party Song, Just a Misfit, Toni’s a Phoney, Patent Leather Pumps, Never Be a Bore, Oh I Do I DoStory: A series of love-affairs and business-affairs get muddled as a result of goings-on and gossip in ahairdressing salon. Red-headed hairdresser Mabel has a romance with the refugee Olaf, with his case full ofbutterflies. Lady ffloyte-Bowen is a society butterfly who gives her patronage to the leader of the Truth Partyrather than the party itself. The comic highlight is the final appearance of Mabel with a bald head havingaccidentally had her red hair completely shaved away.Notes: The scenery was a set of full-size photographic blow-ups by the society photographer Tony Armstrong-Jones (later the husband of Princess Margaret and ennobled as Lord Snowdon.) On the opening night the lastfifteen minutes were drowned out by non-stop booing from the audience. After the show an angry crowdgathered at the stage door, and some of the cast decided to leave via front-of-house doors rather than face theabuse. John Cranko did a lot of re-writing and changes but to no avail and the show came off after two weeks.LADY AT THE WHEELLondon run: Westminster Theatre, February 19 th (37 performances)Music & Lyrics: Leslie Bricusse & Robin Beaumont.Book: Frederick Raphael & Lucienne Hill;Director: Wendy ToyeMusical Director: Louis VossProducer: Andrew Broughton & Edward KassnerCast: Vivienne Bennett (Lady Isabel Haines) , Peter Gilmore (Peter Haines),Bernard Cribbins (Fernando Fernandez), Lucille Mapp (Tuesday),Maggie Fitzgibbon (Jinx Abbott)Songs: Siesta, Pete, Y'Know, Love IsStory: Set in Monte Carlo with the racing carrally as its background, Lady Isabel Hainesand her five accompanying debutantes arerespectively engaged on gambling in thecasino and in searching for eligible youngmen. Her coloured maid, Tuesday, providesmuch comic amusement. Her son, Peter,aracing driver, has to compete with FernandoFernandez, a rascally Italian rival, not just onthe race track but for the love of the youngAmerican, Jinx Abbott.Notes: Opened at the Lyric Hammersmith inJanuary for 28 performances and thentransferred to the Westminster. (Originallyproduced in Cambridge in 1953 as a UniversityClub production)Bernard Cribbins and the girlsPhoto by Getty Images

1958WHERE’S CHARLEY?London run: Palace Theatre, February 20 th(404 Performances)Music & Lyrics: Frank LoesserBook: George AbbottDirector: William ChappellChoreographer: Hanya HolmMusical Director: Michael CollinsProducer: H.M.Tennent Ltd16Cast: Norman Wisdom (Charley),Pip Hinton (Amy Spettigue),Terence Cooper (Jack Chesney),Pamela Gale (Kitty),Marion Grimaldi (Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez),Jerry Desmonde (Sir Francis Chesney),Felix Felton (Mr Spettigue)Songs: My Darling My Darling, Once in Love withAmy, Make a Miracle,Lovelier than Ever,PernambucoStory: Charley and Jack, undergraduates at Oxford in 1892, wish to entertain their ladyfriends, Amy and Kitty, but to do so Charley must play chaperone by disguisinghimself as his own aunt. Further complications arise when the girls’ guardian, MrSpettigue, proposes marriage to the “aunt” and when the real aunt eventually shows up.Notes: The main difference between the original play and the musical version is that inthe play a third character, Lord Fancourt-Babberly, was used to impersonate DonnaLucia D’Alvadorez, the aunt from Brazil (where the nuts come from!) This wasNorman Wisdom’s first book musical and was a great personal success.SCHOOLLondon run: Prince’s Theatre, March 4 th (22 performances)Music: Christopher WhelenBook and lyrics: Redmond PhillipsDirector: Douglas SealeChoreographer: Margaret MaxwellMusical Director: Robert ProbstProducer: Jack HyltonCast: Jean Bayless (Bella), Eleanor Drew (Naomi Tighe), James Maxwell (Lord Beaufoy),Michael Blakemore (Jack Poyntz), Geoffrey Taylor (Mr Crooks)Songs: A Prince for a Cinderella, We’re Men of the World, Teach Them Latin, Mignonette and Marigold, Cana Shadow Say Goodbye?, I Hang on Your Lips, Letter SongStory: Like the original Victorian farce, there is a villain, Mr Crooks; a hero, Lord Beaufoy; his fortunehunting friend, Jack Poyntz; and inside the school, a dull and mousy charity pupil, the orphan Bella; and a richgirl, Naomi Tighe. The lightweight story accompanied by just piano and drums was not strong enough tosurvive.Notes: This was an adaptation of Tom Robertson's 1869 play.

EXPRESSO BONGOLondon run: Saville Theatre, April 23 rd (316 Performances)Music: David Heneker & Monty NormanLyrics: Julian More, Monty Norman & David Heneker.Book: Wolf Mankowitz and Julian More.Director/Choreographer: William ChappelMusical Director: Burt RhodesProducer: Oscar Lewenstein & Neil Crawford195817Cast: Paul Scofield (Johnnie), James Kenney (Bongo),Millicent Martin (Maisie), Hy Hazell (Dixie),Elizabeth Ashley (Lady Rosemary), Meier Tzelniker, Barry Cryer,Hilda Fenemore, Victor Spinetti Susan HampshireSongs: The Shrine on the Second Floor, Time, Seriously, Nothing is forNothing, I Am, He’s Got Something for the Public, There’s Nothing Wrongwith British Youth Today.Story: This is the story of a teenagerock’n’roll singer, his seedy agent, and theeven seedier world of cheap success. HerbertRudge, from a bug-ridden slum with aslatternly mother and a wastrel father, istransformed into pop-singer, Bongo Herbertthanks to the Soho chancer, Johnnie. Maisie,a stripper, is in love with Johnnie. Dixie, anolder woman, is happy to help a handsomeyoung man at the start of his career, as longas he is prepared to “do his bit” for the freelodging and food she provides. All in all, agritty, sordid view of the 1950s pop sceneNotes: Later filmed in 1959 with CliffRichard, but it was much cleaned up andnearly all the songs were jettisoned.Hy Hazell, James Kenney & Elizabeth AshleyPhoto by Julie Hamilton

18MY FAIR LADYLondon run: Drury Lane, April 30 th (2,281 Performances)Music: Frederick LoeweLyrics & Book: Alan Jay LernerDirector: Moss HartChoreographer: Hanya HolmMusical Director: Cyril OrnadelProducer: H.M.Tennent LtdCast: Rex Harrison (Henry Higgins), Julie Andrews (Eliza Doolittle),Stanley Holloway (Alfred P. Doolittle), Robert Coote (Colonel Pickering),Zena Dare (Mrs Higgins), Leonard Wier (Freddy Eynsford-Hill)Songs: Wouldn’t it be Luverly?, With a Little Bit of Luck, The Rain in Spain, ICould Have Danced All Night, On the Street Where You Live, Get Me to the Church on Time, I’ve GrownAccustomed to her Face.Story: Henry Higgins, a Professor of Linguistics, accepts a bet that he could fool high society into accepting acommon cockney flower girl as a grand Society Lady. All he has to do is to change her speech patterns, teachher to speak “proper” English and give her a few lessons in “proper” behaviour. His “victim” is a CoventGarden flower-girl called Eliza Doolittle. Thanks to joint hard work he wins his bet, and then assumes she willleave and find her way in the world. However, he discovers that he misses her, he has “grown accustomed toher face”. Does she return his love or will she marry the love-smitten suitor, Freddy Eynsford Hill?Notes: Alan Jay Lerner used copious amounts of Shaw’s original dialogue, but his major change was in theending of the play. Originally Shaw had left it open – the audience could make its own mind up whether shewould marry Higgins or Freddy. In a later Epilogue, Shaw insisted she should marry Freddy. For the musicalthis was ignored, and in the last scene Liza returns to Higgins.Gabriel Pascal, the Hungarian film producer, had the rights to turn Shaw’s play “Pygmalion” into a musical,and approached in turn Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Yip Harburg, Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz and Rodgersand Hammerstein – all of whom turned it down, saying it couldn’t be done. Lerner and Loewe agreed to give ittry and ended up creating one of the most highly esteemed musicals of all time. For the Broadway premiere theproducers wanted Rex Harrison as Higgins, but he was under contract to “Binkie” Beaumont of H. M. TennentLtd. Beaumont struck a deal: he would release Harrison as long as he was given the rights to present the showin London. He managed also to get the London rights to “West Side Story” and accordingly, the two greatestmusicals of the 1950s were both presented by the Tennent management in 1958. Hugh “Binkie” Beaumontwas the most successful producer of the era.Photo by Cecil Beaton

Photo by MatthewsMelvin Stewart and Marpessa Dawn withdirector Laurence HarveySIMPLY HEAVENLYLondon run: Adelphi, May 20 th (16 Performances)Music: David MartinLyrics & Book: Langston HughesDirector: Laurence HarveyChoreographer: Malcolm ClareCast: Bertice Reading (Miss Mamie) , Ilene Day (Zara),Melvin Stewart (Simple), Marpessa Dawn (Joyce Lane)Songs: I'm a Good Girl, Let's Ball Away,Miss Mamie195819Story: An American negro musical, set in Harlem, withthe thinnest of stories used as an excuse for a series ofblues and jazz songs, it was described as having three or four good songs, a small amount of excellent dancing andtwo dominant actresses with personality. Apart from Bertice Reading and Ilene Day as Zarita, the local vamp,generally the critics felt the best thing in the show was Daisy, a real dog.Notes: The problem with a poor show called “Simply Heavenly” is that it clearly invited critical headlines like “ItSimply Isn't” and “Simply Awful”. It duly received such a press.IRMA LA DOUCELondon run: Lyric Theatre, July 17 th(1,512 Performances)Music: Marguerite MonnotEnglish lyrics & Book: Julian More,David Heneker & Monty NormanDirector: Peter BrookChoreographer: John HeawoodMusical Director: Alexander FarisProducer: Donald Albery & H.M.Tennent LtdCast: Elizabeth Seal (Irma la Douce) ,Keith Michell (Nestor), Clive Revill, John East,Julian Orchard, Gary RaymondSongs: Our Language of Love, Dis-Donc Dis-Donc, There is Only One Paris forThat, Le Grisbi is le Root of le Evil in MenKeith Michell & Elizabeth SealStory: In a dingy quarter of Paris a pure-at-heart prostitute, Irma, loves a poorstudent named Nestor. To have Irma all to himself, Nestor disguises himself as “Oscar”, a man rich enough to beher only provider. But Nestor grown jealous of Oscar and “kills” him. However, he is sent to Devil’s Island forthe crime he never committed. Eventually he escapes, proves his innocence and they have a Christmas reunion.Notes: The show was adapted from a French musical with book and lyrics by Alexandre Breffort. The productionwas re-created on Broadway in 1960 with most of its original British cast and managed a good run of 524performances. A film version was made in 1963 with Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon – but all the songswere cut!Photo by Tpny Armstrong-JonesWALLY PONELondon run: Unity Theatre, July 18 th (10 weeks)Music & Lyrics: Lionel Bart Director: Bernard Sarron Musical Director: Frank WaglandCast: Bernard Goldman, (Wally Pone), Morris Perry (Mossy White), Laurence Davis. Lys StreeterNotes: Based on Ben Jonson's “Volpone, it was staged as a “profit-share” venture and ran for ten weeks to almostempty houses. It is notable only because it was the first stage musical by the young Cockney-Jewish songwriter,Lionel Bart, who, up to this point, had only written pop songs for Tommy Steele and Cliff Richard, including“Rock with the Caveman” and “Living Doll”.

MISTER VENUSLondon run: Prince of Wales, October 23 rd (16 performances).Music: Trevor H. Stanford and Norman Newell.Lyrics: Norman Newell;Book: Ray Galton & Johnny SpeightDirector: Charles ReadingChoreographer: Paddy Stone & Irving DaviesMusical Director: Bob LoweProducer: Sandor Gorlinsky195821Cast: Frankie Howerd (Alister), Sunny Rogers, Anton Diffring (Mr Venus),Bill Owen (Mr Brown) , Judith Bruce (Sally)Songs: Time to Celebrate, Stepping out in Society, Good Neigbours Ballet, EveryLittle Minute.Story: A visitor from outer-space (Anton Diffring) comes to earth with a message of Universal Peace. He usesthe simple postman (Frankie Howerd) as his means of spreading the message.Notes: Originally a work created by Alan Melville, who walked out when others were brought in to try andsalvage the piece. There were rows throughout the pre-London try-outs. Frankie Howerd insisted on JudithBruce as leading lady in spite of the director wanting someone else. Then Frankie Howerd had a major quarrelwith one of the composers, Trevor Stanford (who would later have a separate career as the pianist/entertainer,Russ Conway.) The show was roundly booed on its opening night.CHRYSANTHEMUMLondon run: Prince of Wales, November 13 th (111 performances)Transferred Apollo Theatre , Feb 18 th 1959 (37 Performances)Music: Rob StewartBook and lyrics: Neville Phillips & Robin ChancellorDirector: Eleanor FazanChoreographer: Alfred RodriguesMusical Director: Roy LoweProducer: Sandor GorlinskyCast: Pat Kirkwood (Chrysanthemum), Freda Wigson (Ma Carroty),Patricia Moore (Mary-Ann Blessington-Briggs),Hubert Gregg (John Blessington-Briggs), Roger Gage (Bob Brown)Songs: Ships at Sea, Watch Your Step, Sorry You’ve Been Troubled, IsThis Love?, Thanks to the Weather, Shanghai Lil, I Like My SaturdayNight.Story: Chrysanthemum Brown went out one morning to get the milk andvanished. Three years later she returns, complete with milk filled cans, butunable to answer her father's accusation that she has been seen in (gasp!)Buenos Aires! She is turned out of her home and forced to wander thePat Kirkwood as “Chrysanthemum”streets. The secret she cannot tell is that she was White-Slaved by the vileMa Carroty. Then Mary Ann is whisked away by the same harridan whilstshe was with her boyfriend, Bob in the park. Chrysanthemum rushes to the rescue . Disguised as a Chinesestrip-dancer, she enters Ma Carroty's den “Skull and Chopsticks”, and after many tribulations manages to bringabout a happy ending, a joint wedding and to reveal the true identity of Ma Carroty is (. . . gasp!)Notes: Originally opened for a fixed run at the New Lindsey in March 1956, it was revived for a pre-West Endtour in September 1958. During the run, business suffered from several temporary absences of Pat Kirkwood,due to ill health. In an attempt to re-capture the falling box office sales, Pat Kirkwood and Hubert Greggperformed an extract on television. Without the costumes, scenery and the context of the original show, theextract fell flat on its face in front of a mystified audience. Sadly the show closed very soon after. A Broadwaytransfer failed to happen, but nine years later the Hollywood movie “Thoroughly Modern Millie” appeared.The resemblance was so close that the British authors tried to sue but failed.Photo by Michael Boys

WEST SIDE STORYLondon run: Her Majesty’s, December 12 th(1,039 Performances)Music: Leonard BernsteinLyrics: Stephen SondheimBook: Arthur LaurentsDirector & Choreographer: Jerome RobbinsMusical Director: Lawrence LeonardProducer: H.M.Tennent Ltd195822Photo by Angus McBeanDon McKay and Marlys WattersCast: Marlys Watters (Maria),Don McKay (Tony), Chita Rivera (Anita),Ken LeRoy (Bernardo), George Chakiris (Riff)Songs: Something’s Coming, Tonight, Maria, America, One Hand OneHeart, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere, Gee Officer KrupkeStory: The Romeo and Juliet story is reset in New York City with theconflict now between the native-born whites and the recently arrivedPuerto Ricans. Tony, who falls in love with Puerto Rican Maria, tries tokeep the peace between the Jets and the Sharks, rival street gangs, only toend up being killed when he attempts to break up a rumble.Notes: Originally the show was conceived as a romance between a Jewish boy and an Italian Catholic girl, andwas called “East Side Story”. The show had a longer run in London than Broadway’s 734 performances.Along with “My Fair Lady” it is considered one of the great classics of the 1950s musicals.CINDERELLALondon run: Coliseum, Dec 18 th (101 Performances)Music: Richard RodgersLyrics: Oscar Hammerstein IIDirector: Freddie CarpenterChoreographer: Tommy LindenMusical Director: Bobby HowellCast: Yana (Cinderella), Tommy Steele (Buttons),Bruce Trent (Prince), Jimmy Edwards (King),Graham Squire (Baron). Kenneth Williams & Ted Durante(Portia & Joy, the Sisters), Betty Marsden (Fairy Godmother)Songs: No Other Love, Ten Minutes Ago, Do I Love You Jimmy Edwards and Tommy SteeleBecause You're Beautiful?, In My Own Little Corner, ALovely Night, Impossible. (The song “You and Me” was written by Tommy Steele and interpolated into thescore.),Notes: Originally written for an American TV Special starring Julie Andrews, it was created as a 90 minuteshow in six sections to allow for six commercial breaks. This first stage version wasmuch expanded and altered to suit the requirements of British pantomime. Thecharacter of Buttons did not appear in the original, and was specially written forTommy Steele. Several extra songs were interpolated – songs not by Rodgers andHammerstein. The “sisters” were re-created as pantomime Dames. Inevitably the twokinds of shows – the original elegant and delicate fairy-tale, and the rowdier knock-aboutBritish Pantomime – did not really fit together , and the show came over as a bit ofmish-mash. The following year Rodgers & Hammerstein allowed an American stageversion to go ahead, using some additional songs which had been cut out of“Oklahoma” and “Me and Juliet”. Their USA stage version reverted to the original“musical fairy-tale” without the extra British pantomime bits. However, as part of theoriginal contract deal, the pantomime version would be revived in London in 1960 inspite of Rodgers & Hammerstein hating it.Photo by David Sim

Unknown creditCANDIDELondon run: Saville Theatre, April 30 thMusic: Leonard BernsteinLyrics: Richard Wilbur & othersBook: Lillian HellmanDirector: Robert LewisChoreographer: Jack ColeMusical Director: Alexander FarisProducer: Linnitt & Dunfee195923(60 Performances)Cast: Laurence Naismith (Dr Pangloss),Denis Quilley (Candide), Mary Costa (Cunegonde),Edith Coates (Old Lady), Dennis Stephenson (Maximillian),Victor Spinetti (Marquis), Ron Moody (Governor of Buenos Aires)Songs: The Best of all Possible Worlds, It Must Be So, Glitter andBe Gay, You Were Dead You Know, Make Our Garden GrowStory: Billed as “a comic operetta” this was the story of the multiple adventures ofCandide and his beloved Cunegonde, who under the tutelage of their philosophy professor,Dr Pangloss, believe this to be the “best of all possible worlds”. Their gullible idealism ismaintained despite banishment, rape, the Spanish Inquisition and betrayal in cities such asLisbon, Paris, Buenos Aires, Venice and back home in Westphalia. Eventually they acceptthe fact that wisdom is not to be found in seeking perfection but in making the best ofreality.Notes: Based on Voltaire’s novel “Candide”, this was highly praised for its score andpresentation but failed to attract the public in New York or London. It would be subject toseveral re-writings over future years.THE WORLD OF PAUL SLICKEYLondon run: Palace Theatre, May 5 th (47 performances)Music: Christopher WhelanLyrics and Book: John Osborne;Director: John OsborneMusical Director: Anthony BowlesProducer: David PelhamCast: Dennis Lotis (Jack Oakham) , Harry Welchman (Lord Mortlake),Marie Lohr (Lady Mortlake) , Janet Hamilton-Smith (Mrs Giltedge-Whyte),Roy Sone (Terry Maroon), Maureen Quinney (Deirdre), Adrienne Corri (Lesley Oakham)Songs: Don’t Think you Can Fool a Guy Like Me, It’s a Consideration We’d do Well to Keepin Mind, I Want to Hear About Beautiful Things.Story: Jack Oakham (pseudonym “Paul Slickey”) is the gossip columnist of the“Daily Racket”, under constant pressure from his boss to find more and moresensational stories to sell the newspaper. Yet his own life is sensational enough:he is the son of Lord Mortlake, and the family is anxious his father lives another48 hours to be able to escape heavy death-duties. The ailing Lord receives asurprise visit from Mrs Giltedge-Whyte, a former mistress, and the shock killshim too early! Mrs Giltedge-Whyte is “sponsoring” a young pop-singer, TerryMaroon – though her motives may not be entirely musical. Jack himself ishaving an affair with his sister-in-law, Deirdre, while his real wife, Lesley, isundergoing a sex-change and at the same time being pursued by young MichaelRawley. All this is material for his column.Notes: The show was an excuse for John Osborne to hit out at everything fromsex changes to income tax, and to attack the church, army, parliament andmarriage. The audience hated it - the show was severely booed on its openingnight and trashed by the critics. It survived six weeks before the backers' moneyran out.Photo by Alec Murray

MARIGOLDLondon run: Savoy Theatre, May 27 th (77 performances)Transfer -Saville Theatre, July 13 thMusic: Charles ZwarBook and lyrics: Alan MelvilleDirector: Murray MacDonaldChoreographer: Malcolm GoddardMusical Director: Robert ProbstProducer: Stephen MitchellCast: Jean Kent (Madam Marly), Sally Smith (Marigold),Jeremy Brett (Captain Archie ), Sophie Stewart (Mrs Pringle),Stephen Hancock (Peter Gloag), William Dickie (James Payton)Songs: Romance at the Manse, Love Can’t Be Learned, The NewBohemian Polka, Her Majesty’s Health, Love Can't be Learned .Sally Smith, Jeremy Brettand Stephen Hancock1959Story: Madame Marly, the famous French actress, lives in aHighland manse, caring for her “secret” daughter, Marigold, whobelieves she is an orphan. Marigold goes absent, forsaking the wasp-ridden raspberry garden to see QueenVictoria's Edinburgh visit and to see a certain handsome Captain Archie Forsyth. With a comic Scottish aunt,Mrs Pringle, a text-quoting divinity student, Peter Gloag, and James Payton, a turnip loving suitor, the showfeatures such delights as the whole company executing an elaborate Scottish Reel, and a scene where CaptainForsyth and his fellow officers get progressively more and more tipsy as they sample different liquors drinkinga heath to Her Majesty.Notes: Based on the play by F.R.Pryor and L.Allen Harker, the show was moved from the Savoy after sevenweeks, because the sudden collapse of “Candide” allowed it to transfer to the Saville and fill the gap.However, it survived just another three weeks.24Photo by Angus McBeanLOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERSLondon run: Mermaid Theatre, May 28 th (330 Performances)Music: Laurie JohnsonLyrics: Lionel BartBook: Bernard MilesDirector: Peter CoeChoreographer: Gilbert VernonMusical Director: Colin BeatonCast: Stephanie Voss (Hilaret Politic), Richard Wordsworth (Squeezum),Hy Hazell (Mrs Squeezum), Frederick Jaeger (Ramble)Songs: When Does theRavishing Begin?, Red Wine and a Wench, A ProperMan, On a Sunny Sunday MorningPhoto by Michael BoysStephanie Voss, Madeleine Newbury and John SharpStory: Set in London in 1730, it’s the story of MissHilaret Politic accusing the roguish Ramble of rape,then fending off the advances of Justice Squeezum,whose wife is also gambolling with Ramble. All endshappily when Hilaret teams up with her faithfulCaptain Constant.Notes: It was the first production at the new MermaidTheatre, and ran from May – December 1959. ABroadway production was planned for 1960 withAlfred Drake directing and several of the originalEnglish cast. However, this production closed inBoston and never made it to New York.

THE QUIZ KIDLondon run: Lyric Hammersmith, September 8 th (31 Performances)Music & Lyrics: Jimmy & Nina ThompsonAdditional Music: John PritchettDirector-Choreographer: Alfred RodriguesMusical Director: John PritchettCast: Jimmy Thompson (Simon Merridrew), Diana Decker (Gloria Maine),Patricia Lancaster (Jane Wetherby), Doris Hare, Tristram Jellinek1959Story: Simon Merridrew, a young architect is tricked by his fiancée into taking part in a TV quiz. As a resulthe gains overnight fame and fortune because of his unexpected successes. His fame attracts the devastatingGloria, who tries hard to vamp him away from his long-time beloved Jane Wetherby, and then he has to face aprofessional quiz contestant with an encyclopaedic knowledge of women's fashions. As part of a fast-movingand knockabout plot, most of the rest of the large cast played three or four parts each. The scenes move fromLondon Airport to New York as the show makes fun of TV programmes and personalities.Notes: Originally announced for a limited season, the run was shortened even further when Jimmy Thompsonwas rushed into hospital. Since the whole show was written for the comedian Thompson himself, no one reallyconsidered having an understudy. However, with an audience already admitted, Kim Grant went on to fill thegap. He did well enough to play the next night as well, though at this point the closing notice was posted. Justbefore his third and final performance Mrs Thompson came to the theatre and asked Kim Grant if she couldtake away Jimmy's things. He naturally agreed, and then had a tremendous shock when he went to get ready,only to find she had removed all the costumes and props! The final performance must have been one of thestrangest ever!25THE CROOKED MILELondon run: Cambridge Theatre, September 10 th (164 Performances)Music: Peter GreenwellBook & Lyrics: Peter WildebloodDirector: Jean MeyerChoreographer: John HeawoodMusical Director: Kenneth AlwynCast: Jack MacGowran (Jug Ears) , Elisabeth Welch (Sweet Ginger),Millicent Martin (Cora), John Larsen (Mortiss Garrity),Elwyn Brook-Jones (The Carver)Songs: Free, Street Scene, If I Ever Fall in Love Again, The Simple LifeStory: This was a Soho musical peopled with small time gangsters and prostitutes telling the story of theirloves and quarrels. Jug Ears, a petty gangster, has a long-term lady, Sweet Ginger, who runs an ironmonger's.Tired of waiting for them to get properly married, Ginger considers marrying Mortiss Garrity, a wealthyAmerican business-man, but finally decides to stick with Jug-Ears, following an incident where her shop isburned down by The Carver, as part of amini-gang war. Mixed up in the story isan effort to raise some money for thechild of a dead chum, and the deeds ofCora, a tart with a heart of gold with apassion for gardening and her bubble-car.Photo by Angus McBeanNotes: Peter Wildeblood adapted his ownnovel “West End People, into a musicalattempting a “real” portrait of Soho in thesame style as Kurt Weill's “StreetScene” . Some critics felt he hadsucceeded and praised the work for itsoriginality. Others felt the sentiment andthe poor lyrics let the show down. Itclosed after four and a half months.

THE LOVE DOCTORLondon run: Piccadilly Theatre, October 12 th (16 performances)Music & Lyrics: Robert Wright & George ForrestDirector: Albert Marre195926Cast: Douglas Byng (Monsieur Argan), Joan Heal (Toinette),Ian Carmichael (The Tramp), Eleanor Drew (Beline),Richard Wordsworth (Dr Diafoirus), Peter Gilmore (Leander)Songs: The Carefree Heart, Rich Man Poor Man, I Would Love You Still,Promised, Formula Formulae Formulorum .Notes: Based on the comedies of Molière, this was originally staged inAmerica under the title “The Carefree Heart” but it never made it toBroadway and closed on the road. It was hoped that the re-written versionwould be a hit in London. However, it was clear the show was in troubleduring its pre-London run, when Michael Stewart was brought in fromAmerica as a show doctor. His alterations caused the composers Wright andForrest to walk out, and they never returned to the show. It was a two-weekflop.KOOKABURRALondon run: Prince’s Theatre, November 26 th (42 Performances)Music: Eric SpearBook : Charles Macarthur HardyDirector: John Forbes-SempillMusical Director: Arthur TatlerProducer: John Forbes-SempillCast: Gordon Boyd (George Grant),Julia Shelley (Stella),Maggie Fitzgibbon (Emmie Dalziel),Harry H.Corbett (Mervyn Dalziel)Songs: God’s Own Country, The Right Kind of Man,Grandmother’s Piano, It’s a Tough Life, The Wowsers ofthe DistrictStory: Young Australian farmer George Grant takesStella, his new English wife, to his farm in the outback,where the local women throw a tea-party to welcome thenew bride. However, this welcome only makes herworry, and gradually she finds the work, the women andthe mocking kookaburra of Queensland too much forher. There is an additional problem with Emmie Dalziel,a local girl who had expected to marry George herself –and still hankers after him – though she is now partneredwith Mervyn, a down-and-out Englishman who suddenlygets news that he has inherited an English earldom.However, even though Stella has left George, she returnsin time for Christmas and for a happy ending.Photo by RimisNotes: Adapted from the novel by Joyce Denys and billed(inaccurately) as the first Australian musical to be seen inLondon, the show managed six weeks and no more.Maggie Fitzgibbon, Brenda Tai, Julia Shelleyand Gordon Boyd

THE DEMON BARBERLondon run: Lyric Hammersmith, December 10 th (39 Performances)Music : Brian BurkeLyrics & Book: Donald CottonDirector: Colin GrahamMusical Director: Anthony BowlesProducer: J.Baxter-SomervilleCast: Roy Godfrey (Sweeney Todd), Barbara Howett (Mrs Lovett),Leighton Camden (Tobias), Maureen Hartley (Johanna), James Maxwell (Colonel Jeffrey),Barrie Humphries (Jonas Fogg)195927Notes: This musical version was quickly dismissed as being neither a good old melodrama, not a decentmusical show, and for failing to decide whether it was meant to be funny or serious. The love story wasbetween Johanna and Colonel Jeffrey, a sub-plot has Sweeney Todd committing his apprentice, Tobias, to the“tender” care of Jonas Fogg and his two vile Myrmidons. However, the main plot was the story of the Barber,his victims, and the pies made by Mrs Lovett.MAKE ME AN OFFERLondon run: New Theatre, December 16 th (267 Performances)Music & Lyrics: David Heneker & Monty NormanBook: Wolf MankowitzDirector: Joan LittlewoodMusical Director: Gareth DaviesCast: Daniel Massey (Charlie), Diana Coupland (Sally) , Dilys Laye (Redhead),Sheila Hancock (Gwen) Victor Spinetti, Roy Kinnear, Wally PatchSongs: I Want a Lock-Up, Portobello Road, Business is Business, Dog Eat Dog,You’ve Gotta Have Capital, The Pram SongStory: Set in the world of small-time antique dealers inPortobello Road, Charlie, an expert in Wedgewood china, longs toown a beautiful piece for himself. His chance comes when he isinvolved in an auction for a complete (but fake) Wedgewoodroom – and he ends up with valuable (genuine) vase. Charlie’smain rival is the woman known as Redhead. Charlie’s wife, Sally,features in a number of incidents which are amusing characterstudies of a host of minor characters.Notes: Originally created at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East inOctober 1959 for a limited run of 36 performances, the showcontained some 20 musical numbers which were skilfullyincorporated into what was basically a play with songs. It won the1959 Evening Standard Award for the Best Musical of the Year.Diana Coupland and Daniel MasseyPhoto by Alec Murray

ALADDINLondon run: Coliseum, December 17 th (145 Performances)Music & Lyrics: Cole PorterBook: Peter Coke & Dennis GoodwinDirector & Choreographer: Robert HelpmanProducer: Harold FieldingCast: Bob Monkhouse (Aladdin), Doretta Morrow (Princess),Ronald Shiner (Widow Twankey), Ian Wallace (Emperor),Alan Wheatley (Abanazar)1959Songs: Come to the Supermarket in Old Peking, Riding High, I am Loved, ThereMust Be Someone for MeNotes: Presumably inspired by the Rodgers and Hammerstein's “Cinderella”, Cole Porter was persuaded towrite an American television version of “Aladdin” to a screenplay by S.J.Perelman. As before, this versionwas “adapted” into a British pantomime and, as before, didn't quite fit into the two traditions – musical theatreand pantomime. It seems as if some of the songs were too good for the staging, and some of them too weak forthe knockabout comedy.28WHEN IN ROMELondon run: Adelphi Theatre, December 26 th (298 performances)Music: “Kramer”Lyrics: Pietro Garinei & Sandro Giovannini (translated by Eric Shaw)Book: Ted Willis & Ken FerreyDirector: Harold FrenchCast: Dickie Henderson (Andy Persichetti), June Laverick (Nicky),Frank Leighton (Andy’s Father), Eleanor Summerfield (Nicky’s Mother)Songs: Call it Primavera, A Certain Something, It's SoNice to Sleep with No One, Ballarello, Wise Guy.Story: Andy and Nicky, a newly-married young bankclerk and his wife, find their marital bliss threatened by adaring novel written by Nicky which becomes asensational best-seller. The novel is about a he-man, Joeand his conquests, which arouses Andy’s jealousy and herefuses to believe that his young wife can have imaginedit all. Before all ends happily, Andy finds himself forvarious reasons trying to emulate the hero of the book,with hilarious results.Notes: Described as entertainment for the tiredbusinessman it managed a ten month runJune Laverick and Chorus Boys