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Home , Anna Neagle, Bernard Miles, Cambridge Theatre, Cicely Courtneidge, Cyril Ornadel, Diana Coupland

CARISSIMA Palace : Hans May | Book & Lyrics: Eric Maschwitz Opened: March 10th 1948 (466 performances) Disc 1 | Track 4 ‘Carissima’ (Performed by Lester Ferguson) Disc 2 | Track 1 ‘Selections from Carissima’ – ‘Intro / Festa Bella / Venice In Spring / Two In A Gondola / Galop / Far In The Blue / Drinking Song / I’ll Be Waiting For Love / Carissima / Santa Rosa’ (Performed by the Theatre Orchestra – Conducted by Hans May)

Noted film composer Hans May left his native Austria in 1935, exiled in Britain he composed the musical ‘Dancing City’ which had a short run at ’s Coliseum. Continuing to score for numerous films in the , including the hit ‘Brighton Rock’, he achieved great success in 1948 with the musical ‘Carissima’ which opened at London’s Palace Theatre in March 1948 running for over 400 performances. Set in Venice, the plot focuses on Italian tenor Paolo Marinelli (played by Lester Ferguson) who is pursued by Lisa an American advertising executive (played by Shirl Conway) to sing in her perfume commercials on radio. Marinelli disguises himself as a gondolier to avoid Lisa and inadvertently the couple find themselves attracted to one another, however the romance is short-lived when his deception is uncovered. Marinelli later finds success on Broadway, reuniting with Lisa and returning to Venice. The show’s star Lester Ferguson recorded two songs from ‘Carissima’ issued on a 78rpm record by HMV. Instrumental selections from Hans May’s score were also presented on record, conducted by the composer.

CAGE ME A PEACOCK Strand Theatre Music: Eve Lynd | Book & Lyrics: Noel Langley Opened: June 18th 1948 Transferred to the : December 6th 1948 (337 performances) Disc 2 | Track 2 ‘Time Alone Will Tell’ (Performed by The Melody Maids)

‘Cage Me A Peacock’ was the first novel by South African author and screenwriter Noel Langley. Published in 1935, the novel was a satirical version of The Rape of Lucretia and became an instant hit with readers. Langley adapted the novel, first as a play and then as a musical, with a score by Eve Lynd, starring Bill O’Connor, Linda Gray, Yolande Donlan and Simon Lack. ‘Cage Me A Peacock’ opened at London’s Strand Theatre in June 1948 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in December 1948, running in total for over 300 performances. Although the somewhat controversial themes of the original novel had been toned down for the musical adaptation, the show was a critical success and proved popular with theatregoers. Although no recordings with the original cast were issued, the vocal group ‘The Melody Maids’ released a recording of ‘Time Alone Will Tell’ from the score on Decca.

ACE OF CLUBS Cambridge Theatre Music & Lyrics: Noel Coward Opened: July 7th 1950 (211 performances) Disc 1 | Track 2 ‘Chase Me Charlie / Evening In Summer / I Like America’ (performed by , Sylvia Cecil, Graham Payn)

‘Ace of Clubs’ featured music and lyrics by Noel Coward who also directed the production. The show was first presented by Tom Arnold at the Palace Theatre, on 16 May 1950 and after a limited run in , transferred to London’s Cambridge Theatre on July 7th running for 211 performances. The show is set in a 1949 London nightclub called "Ace of Clubs". Nightclub Pinkie Leroy falls in love with a sailor, however Pinkie and her lover get mixed up with gangsters, a lost package and a missing diamond necklace. In the end, the police arrest the perpetrators, and Pinkie gets her man. The original London cast members recorded selections of the show's songs as medleys issued across two 78rpm records on the HMV label.

DEAR MISS PHOEBE Phoenix Theatre Music: Harry Parr-Davies | Book & Lyrics: Christopher Hassall Opened: October 13th 1950 (238 performances) Disc 2 | Track 5 ‘I Leave My Heart In An English Garden’ (performed by

'Dear Miss Phoebe' was a musical adaptation of the 1901 J.M. Barrie play 'Quality Street'. Set during the Napoleonic war, the plot centres on sisters Susan and Phoebe (played by Carol Raye and Olga Lindo) and Phoebe's love interest Valentine (played by Peter Graves) who leaves to fight in the war, returning ten years later. To test Valentine's genuine affection for her after his decade long absence, Phoebe poses as her imaginary niece. The musical had a respectable run at the Phoenix theatre and Harry Parr- Davies' composition 'I Leave My Heart In An English Garden' became popular outside of the show when covered by numerous artists including Edmund Hockridge who recorded a version for his 1956 EP 'Edmund Hockridge Sings For You' on HMV.

BLUE FOR A BOY His Majesty’s Theatre Music: Harry Parr-Davies | Lyrics: Harold Purcell Opened: November 30th 1950 (664 performances) Disc 2 | Track 3 ‘Blue For A Boy’ (performed by Pearl Carr and Dick James)

Described as a “musical romp”, ‘Blue For A Boy’ was devised as a vehicle for Fred Emney and Richard Hearne. Featuring music by Harry Parr-Davies, the show debuted just six weeks after Parr- Davies’ musical ‘Dear Miss Phoebe’ opened at the Phoenix Theatre. ‘Blue For A Boy’ proved a resounding success and ran for over 600 performances. Although no recordings of the show’s songs were produced with the original cast members, popular vocalists Pearl Carr and Dick James recorded a cover of the show’s title song, released on 78 by .

GAY’S THE WORLD Music: | Lyrics: Alan Melville Opened: February 16th 1951 (504 performances) Disc 1 | Track 1 ‘It’s Bound To Be Right On The Night’ (performed by )

'Gay's The Word' is noted as being the final musical composed by Ivor Novello. Featuring lyrics by Alan Melville, the show was tailored as a star vehicle for Cicely Courtneidge who plays Gay Daventry, a bankrupt operetta producer and actress who opens a drama school at her country house after her latest theatrical venture flops. Gay’s drama school also proves to be unsuccessful and becomes a front for two smugglers to conceal their illegal activities. The musical concludes with Gay making a successful return to the stage, accompanied by her students. Alongside Courtneidge the show starred Lizbeth Webb, Thorley Walters, Dunstan Hart and Molly Lumley. Several of the show's songs were recorded by the Original London Cast and issued across several 78rpm records on Columbia. 'Gay's The Word' was most recently revived in 2012 at London's .

ZIP GOES A MILLION Palace Theatre Music: George Posford | Lyrics: Eric Maschwitz Opened: October 20th 1951 (544 performances) Disc 1 | Track 3 ‘Zip Goes a Million / Running Away to Land’ (performed by and Warde Donovan) Disc 2 | Track 4 ‘Ordinary People’ (performed by Reg Dixon) Disc 2 | Track 25 ‘Ordinary People’ – Live Recording (performed by George Formby and )

'Zip Goes A Million' was a musical adaptation of the 1902 novel 'Brewster's Millions' by G. B. McCutcheon, featuring music by George Posford and book and lyrics by Eric Maschwitz. The plot centres on Percy Piggott, a window cleaner who inherits a million dollar fortune. In order to receive the full amount he has to spend a million dollars in double-quick time, and without anyone suspecting that he is trying to get rid of the money. Piggot embarks on several radical schemes to spend the money including investing in a show, playing the stock market and waging on a variety of race horses. The show was built around the talents of popular entertainer George Formby who played Percy Piggot alongside Sara Gregory, Wallas Eaton and Barbara Perry. 'Zip Goes A Million' first opened at the Hippodrome in September 1951 before playing the Manchester Palace Theatre ahead of its West End transfer, opening at the Palace Theatre on October 21st 1951. The show was a resounding success with critics, running a total of 544 performances. Six months into the London run, Formby suffered a heart attack and was forced to leave the production. His replacement was Reg Dixon who remained with the production until it closed in 1953. Formby along with the original London cast members recorded highlights from 'Zip Goes A Million', issued across three 78rpm records on HMV. Formby's replacement Reg Dixon also recorded 'Ordinary People' from the show for Decca. Formby later performed ‘Ordinary People’ on a live broadcast in 1957 with popular singer Petula Clark.

THE GLORIOUS DAYS Palace Theatre Music: Harry Parr Davies | Lyrics: Harold Purcell Opened: February 28th 1953 (357 performances) Disc 1 | Track 4 The Glorious Days – Part One: ‘Glorious Days / Drink To Me With Thine Eyes / Soldiers Of The Queen’ (performed by Anna Neagle with The Rita Williams Singers) Disc 1 | Track 5 The Glorious Days – Part Two: ‘Lovely Lady / K-K-K-Katy / Swanee / Keep The Home Fires Burning’ (performed by Anna Neagle with The Rita Williams Singers)

‘The Glorious Days’ was conceived by producer Tom Arnold to coincide with the 1953 Coronation celebrations. The musical marked a triumphant stage return for Anna Neagle who played Carol Beaumont, a wartime ambulance driver who experiences a series of fantasy flashbacks after being knocked unconscious during a London air raid. In the flashbacks, Neagle plays numerous characters ranging from Nell Gwynn to . Alongside Anna Neagle, the show starred James Carney (as King Charles), Olaf Olsen (as Albert) and Peters Graves. The production featured original music by Harry Parr Davies (his final musical) with lyrics by Harold Purcell, the show also included several standards. In April 1953, the BBC broadcast a performance of ‘The Glorious Days’ from the Palace Theatre. The show was later adapted as the 1954 film ‘Lilacs In Spring’, co-starring . Anna Neagle recorded selections from ‘The Glorious Days’ for a 78rpm record issued by Phillips.

HAPPY HOLIDAY Palace Theatre Music: George Posford | Lyrics: Eric Maschwitz Opened: December 22nd 1954 (31 performances) Disc 1 | Track 10 ‘Sew A Silver Button On The Moon’ (performed by Reg Dixon, Janet Brown)

Following Reg Dixon’s recent success taking over from George Formby as Percy Piggott in ‘Zip Goes A Million’, the same writing team of George Posford and Eric Maschwitz collaborated on a new musical to showcase Dixon’s talents. ‘Happy Holiday’ was an adaptation of Arnold Riley’s thriller ‘The Ghost Train’ and also starred Austin Melford, Marie Burke and Janet Brown. The musical was criticised for veering too far from the source material and the production closed after just 31 performances at London’s Palace Theatre. Despite the show’s short run, Reg Dixon recorded four songs from the show, issued across two 78rpm records by HMV.

TWENTY MINUTES SOUTH St. Martin’s Theatre Music: Peter Greenwell | Lyrics: Maurice Browning Opened: July 13th 1955 (101 performances) Disc 1 | Track 8 ‘This Is Love’ (performed by Donald Scott and Joan Bailey)

‘Twenty Minutes South’ was first staged at The Players’ Theatre as a musical observation of contemporary suburban life, following a range of characters on their daily commute to central London and their home activities in Addison Park; ‘Twenty Minutes South’. Following an initial run at The Players’, ‘Twenty Minutes South’ embarked on a short provincial tour before transferring to London’s St. Martin’s Theatre, running for just over 100 performances. The show featured music by The Players’ musical director Peter Greenwell and was directed and produced by . The cast included Daphne Anderson, George Woodbridge, Joan Bailey, and Douglas Squires. The Original London Cast Recording of ‘Twenty Minutes South’ was released by Oriole Records and a 45 minute abridged version of the show was broadcast by the BBC.

ROMANCE IN CANDLELIGHT Theatre Music: Sam Coslow | Lyrics: Eric Maschwitz Opened: September 15th 1955 (53 performances) Disc 1 | Track 9 ‘Live A Little, Love A Little’ (performed by , Jacques Pils)

‘Romance In Candlelight’ was a musical adaptation of the Austrian play ‘Candlelight’, featuring music by American composer Sam Coslow (Coslow’s back catalogue of popular songs included ‘Cocktails For Two’ and ‘Sing You Sinners’) and lyrics by Eric Maschwitz. The farcical plot involved a Valet (played by Jacques Pils) who is mistaken for a Marquis by The Lady (played by Sally Ann Howes). Similarly, the Marquis is mistaken for the Valet by The Lady’s Maid. The show was received poorly by critics and closed after just 53 performances. Despite ‘Romance In Candlelight’s short run at the , an abridged version of the musical was broadcast by the BBC from the stage of the Piccadilly Theatre on September 18th 1955. Although a full-length cast recording was not produced, four of the songs from ‘Romance In Candlelight’ were recorded for an EP on Columbia.

LISTEN TO THE WIND Music & Lyrics: Vivian Ellis Opened: December 16th 1955 (48 performances) Disc 2 | Track 22 ‘Naughty Gale Bird’ (performed by Dick Bentley)

‘Listen To The Wind’ was a children’s musical with music and lyrics by Vivian Ellis and a book by Angela Ainley Jeans. The show initially opened at the Oxford Playhouse in December 1954, transferring to London’s Arts Theatre for the following Christmas season. The plot centred on the adventures of three Victorian children who are kidnapped by gypsies. The London cast included , Peter Jeffrey, Miriam Karlin and Claude Revill. No recordings were made with the original company, although in 1958, World Records Club produced a six track EP studio cast recording of the score featuring Dick Bentley, Vanessa Lee, Joan Hovis and Virginia Somers.

WILD GROWS THE HEATHER London Hippodrome Music: Robert Lindon | Lyrics: William Henry Opened: May 3rd 1956 (28 performances) Disc 1 | Track 7 ‘I See Everything I Love In You’ (performed by Bill O’Connor and Valerie Miller) Disc 2 | Track 6 ‘I See Everything I Love In You’ – Single Version (performed by Bill O’Connor)

The short-lived musical ‘Wild Grows The Heather’ was based on the 1891 J.M. Barrie novel ‘The Little Minister’. The show featured music by Robert Lindon, a pseudonym attributed to Joseph Tunbridge (a composer who died the previous year) and his writing partner Jack Waller. The score was essentially collated of works from Tunbridge’s back catalogue, set to lyrics by the show’s director Ralph Reader (under the pseudonym ‘William Henry’). In an early and pioneering example, the show turned to the public to find its star, launching a campaign in the national press. Valerie Miller would subsequently play the female lead, Lady Babbie, cast alongside established theatre performer Bill O’Connor as Rev. Dishart. Despite all the fanfare and publicity, the show was received poorly by critics and ran at the London Hippodrome for just 28 performances. Despite the show’s curtailed run, the musical was preserved on a 10” original cast . Bill O’Connor would also record a solo “pop” version of the duet ‘I See Everything I Love In You’, released as a single by HMV.

ALADDIN – THE WONDERFUL LAMP Music: | Lyrics: David Croft Opened: December 22nd 1956 (159 performances) Disc 2 | Track 23 ‘Selections from “ – The Wonderful Lamp” – Aladdin / A Couple Of Nobody's / The Magic Word / Tie A Little Knot / Sweethearts and Lovers / Finale’ (performed by Norman Evans, Dickie Henderson, Norma Evans, Jean Metcalfe, David Croft, Alan Jones)

‘Aladdin – The Wonderful Lamp’ was heralded as one of the London Palladium’s most successful when staged in 1956/1957. In a break with tradition, played the title role, starring alongside Sonnie Hale as The , Valentine Dyall as Abanazar and Stephanie Voss as Princess Yasmin. The elaborate production featured an original score with music by Cyril Ornadel and lyrics by David Croft. Additional songs were provided by Phil Park. In 1960, HMV Junior Record Club released an EP studio cast recording featuring the original Ornadel / Croft songs from ‘Aladdin – The Wonderful Lamp’ interspersed with dialogue.

GRAB ME A GONDOLA Lyric Theatre Music: James Gilbert | Lyrics: Julian More & James Gilbert Opened: December 26th 1956 (679 performances) Disc 1 | Track 18 ‘Grab Me A Gondola’ (performed by Company)

'Grab Me A Gondola' dealt with the topical issue of fame and celebrity, set at the Venice Film Festival, the musical follows the exploits of young starlet Virginia Jones (a character loosely based on ). Reporter Tom Watson travels to Venice to interview Virginia, although his girlfriend Margaret becomes wary of his interest in the star. The wealthy Prince Luigi takes an interest in Margaret, lavishing her with attention, however Margaret turns the situation round by replacing Tom's intended article about Virginia's desire to perform Shakespeare with one rumouring a romance between the Prince and Virginia. 'Grab Me A Gondola' starred Joan Heal as starlet Virginia Jones alongside Denis Quilley as Tom, Jane Wenham as Margaret and Guido Lorraine as Prince Luigi. The musical first opened at the Theatre Royal Windsor in October 1955 before transferring to the Lyric Theatre and subsequently the Lyric Theatre on . The show proved a hit with audiences and ran for over 600 performances, becoming one of the most successful British musicals of the decade. The 'Grab Me A Gondola' Original London Cast Album was released on HMV.

HARMONY CLOSE Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith Music: Ronald Cass & Charles Ross | Lyrics: Charles Ross Opened: April 17th 1957 (62 performances) Disc 2 | Track 13 ‘Getting Nowhere Fast’ (performed by Mike Shaun)

Set in a typical suburban mews, the occupants of ‘Harmony Close’ harbour a variety of passions and secrets. The tenants are blackmailed by character Robin Webster who intends to extort money from them to buy their silence. The cast of ‘Harmony Close’ included Zack Matalon, Jo Ann Bayless, James Raglan and . Despite positive notices, a West End transfer failed to materialise. The score of ‘Harmony Close’ was preserved on an Original London Cast Album by Oriole Records. Oriole also enlisted pop singer Mike Shaun to cover two of the show’s songs, ‘Getting Nowhere Fast’ and ‘Life Should Be A Lively Thing’, issued on a 78rpm record.

LADY AT THE WHEEL Music & Lyrics: & Robin Beaumont Opened: February 19th 1958 (37 performances) Disc 1 | Track 16 ‘The Early Birdie’ (performed by Lucille Mapp) Disc 2 | Track 12 ‘Siesta’ (performed by )

‘Lady At The Wheel’ was the first musical composed by Leslie Bricusse. The show was written by Bricusse with Robin Beaumont when both were studying at Cambridge University and the musical premiered at the Cambridge Arts Theatre for a weeklong production to outstanding reviews. The plot was set in Monte Carlo and followed Lady Isabel Haines and her five accompanying debutantes as they gamble in the casinos and look for love. Despite numerous attempts to transfer the show, ‘Lady At The Wheel’ was not staged in London for nearly five years, first opening at the Lyric Hammersmith before transferring to The Westminster Theatre in February 1958. The London production starred Bernard Cribbins, Peter Gilmore, Vivienne Bennett, Maggie Fitzgibbon and Lucille Mapp. Mapp recorded two songs from ‘Lady At The Wheel’, released as a single on Columbia. Other songs from the score were covered by popular artists such as The Beverley Sisters, and even .

EXPRESSO BONGO Saville Theatre Music: David Heneker & | Lyrics: Julian More, Monty Norman & David Heneker Opened: April 23rd 1958 (316 performances) Disc 1 | Track 22 ‘I Am’ (performed by ) Disc 2 | Track 14 ‘The Shrine On The Second Floor’ (performed by )

The musical ‘Expresso Bongo’ presented a satirical portrayal of the music business of the late 1950s. The production featured music by David Heneker and Monty Norman with lyrics by Norman and Julian More with the book being a collaboration between More and Wolk Mankowitz. The plot focused on Johnny (played by ), a sleazy music promoter who discovers a bongo player called Herbert Rudge (played by James Kenney). Signing Rudge to a contract entitling Johnny to 50% of his earnings, the musical exposed the somewhat seedy and sordid side of the showbusiness world. The cast of ‘Expresso Bongo’ also included Hy Hazell, Millicent Martin and Meier Tzelniker. In 1960, the musical was adapted for the screen as a star vehicle for Cliff Richard. The film version of ‘Expresso Bongo’ cut most of the Monty Norman and David Heneker score with just a handful of their original songs remaining.

MISTER VENUS Music: Trevor H. Stanford & | Lyrics: Norman Newell Opened: October 23rd 1958 (16 performances) Disc 1 | Track 11 ‘ Man’ (performed by ) Disc 2 | Track 10 ‘Love Like Ours’ (performed by )

‘Mister Venus’ was regarded as one of the great musical disasters of the 1950s, the bizarre plot involved Alistair, a humble postman (played by Frankie Howerd) who receives a visit from an extraterrestrial being, Mr. Venus (played by Anton Driffing) who encourages Alistair to and bring about world peace. ‘Mister Venus’ featured music by (using his real name Trevor Stanford) and lyrics by Norman Newell. The musical was derided by the critics and ran just 16 performances at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre. No full-length cast recording was produced of the score, although Frankie Howerd released a single of ‘Song And Dance Man’ on . Popular female vocalist Joan Regan (whom Conway served as an accompanist) also recorded a cover of ‘Love Like Ours’ from the show.

CHRYSANTHEMUM Prince of Wales Theatre Music: Robb Stewart | Lyrics: Neville Phillips & Robin Chancellor Opened: November 13th 1958 (111 performances) Disc 1 | Track 26 ‘No More Love Songs’ (performed by Pat Kirkwood) Disc 2 | Track 20 ‘Saturday Night’ (performed by Robb Stewart)

‘Chrysanthemum’ was first staged at the small 200 seat New Lindsey Theatre in Notting Hill in March 1956. The show embarked on a pre West End tour of the United Kingdom in September 1958, now starring Pat Kirkwood and husband , before transferring to the Prince Of Wales Theatre in November. The plot involved Kirkwood’s character Chrysanthemum Brown who mysteriously vanishes when going out to collect milk, miraculously returning home three years later. It emerges that Chrysanthemum was ensnared by Ma Carroty and been a victim of the white slave trade, working the brothels of Buenos Aires. The ‘Chrysanthemum’ London Cast Album was released on . Composer Robb Stewart also issued an EP featuring six songs from the score in 1959.

VALMOUTH Saville Theatre Music & Lyrics: Opened: January 27th 1959 (102 performances) Disc 1 | Track 17 ‘My Big Best Shoes’ (performed by Bertice Reading) Disc 2 | Track 17 ‘My Big Best Shoes’ (performed by )

‘Valmouth’ is a musical penned by Sandy Wilson based on the 1919 Ronald Firbank novel of the same name. Set in the fictional English spa town of Valmouth, the resort is popular with a group of centenarians owing to its famed pure air. ‘Valmouth’ first opened at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith starring Bertice Reading as Mrs Yajnavalkya, the masseuse with “magic fingers”. When the show subsequently transferred to the Saville Theatre in January 1958, owing to other work commitments in the United States, Reading was unable to appear in the production and the role of Mrs Yajnavalkya was played by . Other cast members included , , and Alan Edwards. Although the ‘Valmouth’ London Cast Album was released by PYE Records, original star Bertice Reading recorded a single version of the show’s signature song ‘My Big Best Shoes’ as a single for in October 1958 (during the show’s run at the Lyric Hammersmith). Pop-idol of the day, Tommy Steele also recorded the song (with amended lyrics) as a single for Decca in May 1961.

LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS Music & Lyrics: & Opened: May 28th 1959 (330 performances) Disc 1 | Track 21 ‘When Does The Ravishing Begin’ (performed by Hy Hazell) Disc 2 | Track 19 ‘Lock Up Your Daughters’ (performed by Lionel Bart)

‘Lock Up Your Daughters’ was the first show to open the new Mermaid Theatre in May 1959. The musical was an adaptation of the Henry Fielding comedy ‘Rape Upon Rape’ and featured music and lyrics by Laurie Johnson and Lionel Bart with a book by . Set in London in the 1730s, the musical follows Hilaret Politic who intends to elope with Captain Constant. In a scuffle, Hilaret is separated from her maid Cloris and is set upon by the virile Ramble. Hilaret accuses Ramble of rape and the pair are brought before the corrupt Justice Squeezum. The cast of ‘Lock Up Your Daughters’ included Stephanie Voss, Hy Hazell and Richard Wordsworth. Following its successful run at the Mermaid Theatre, a Broadway production staged by Alfred Drake (and featuring most of the London cast) was planned but closed on tour. ‘Lock Up Your Daughters’ was subsequently revived at London’s Her Majesty’s Theatre in August 1962, running for over 500 performances.

THE CROOKED MILE Cambridge Theatre Music: Peter Greenwell | Lyrics: Peter Wildeblood Opened: September 10th 1959 (164 performances) Disc 1 | Track 24 ‘If I Ever Fall In Love Again’ (performed by )

‘The Crooked Mile’ was a musical adaptation of Peter Wildeblood’s 1958 novel ‘West End People’. Wildeblood provided book and lyrics for the musical with a score by Peter Greenwell. The story highlighted the shady underworld of 1950s , focusing on the various gangsters and prostitutes that populated the area. ‘The Crooked Mile’ first opened at the Manchester House before playing the Liverpool Empire and transferring to London’s Cambridge Theatre. Reviews were generally positive with critics praising Wildeblood’s gritty portrayal of life in ‘The Crooked Mile’. The musical starred Elisabeth Welch, Jack MacGowran, Millicent Martin and John Larsen. The original London Cast recording of ‘The Crooked Mile’ was released on HMV Records.

KOOKABURRA Prince’s Theatre Music & Lyrics: Eric Spear Opened: November 26th 1959 (42 performances) Disc 1 | Track 23 ‘The Right Kind Of Man’ (performed by Maggie Fitzgibbon) Disc 2 | Track 15 ‘Kookaburra’ (performed by Tommy Steele)

‘Kookaburra’ was an adaptation of Joyce Dennys’s novel set in the Australian outback. Newly wed farmer George Grant (played by Gordon Boyd) brings his English wife Stella (Julia Shelley) to settle in his local village in remote Queensland. Stella finds adjusting to her new surroundings and way of life difficult, compounded by rivalry for George’s affections from Emmie Dalziel (Maggie Fitzgibbon) who expected to marry George herself. ‘Kookaburra’ featured music by film composer Eric Spear who the following year would pen the ‘’ theme. Original cast member Maggie Fitzgibbon recorded a single for PYE featuring two songs from the show. Tommy Steele also released a cover of the show’s title song on Decca.

MAKE ME AN OFFER New Theatre Music & Lyrics: David Heneker & Monty Norman Opened: December 16th 1959 (267 performances) Disc 1 | Track 19 ‘’ (performed by the Company) Disc 2 | Track 11 ‘Love Him’ - Single Version (performed by Diana Coupland)

Featuring a book by Wolf Mankowitz and score by David Heneker and Monty Norman, ‘Make Me An Offer’ was first produced at the Theatre Royal Stratford East as part of ’s Theatre Workshop. The show was set around the world of London’s small time antique dealers on the Portobello Road and featured a cast including Daniel Massey, , , Victor Spinetti, Roy Kinnear and Diana Coupland. Following a 36 performance run at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, ‘Make Me An Offer’ transferred to London’s New Theatre and was warmly received by critics. The production ran for a respectable 267 performances and was awarded ‘Best Musical’ at the 1959 Evening Standard Theatre Awards. The ‘Make Me An Offer’ London Cast Album was released by HMV and a subsequent pop single version of ‘Love Him’ performed by cast member Diana Coupland was issued as a single on the same label.

WHEN IN ROME Music: Gorni Kramer | Lyrics: Pietro Garinei & Sandro Giovannini (adapted by Eric Shaw) Opened: December 26th 1959 (298 performances) Disc 1 | Track 15 ‘Stop!’ (performed by June Laverick) Disc 2 | Track 7 ‘When In Rome’ (performed by Andy Cole)

Adapted in English by Eric Shaw’, ‘When In Rome’ was originally an Italian work by Pietro Garinei and Sandro Giovannini with music by Gorni Kramer. The plot is centred on newlyweds Andy and Nicky whose is thrown into disarray when Nicky’s somewhat racy novel about an Adonis named “Joe” is published and becomes an instant success. The production featured Dickie Henderson as Andy and June Laverick as Nicky and ran for over 10 months at London’s Adelphi Theatre. Oriole Records released an EP of songs from the score featuring original cast members Dickie Henderson, June Laverick alongside vocalist Andy Cole.

FOLLOW THAT GIRL Music: Julian | Lyrics: Dorothy Reynolds & Julian Slade Opened: March 17th 1960 (211 performances) Disc 1 | Track 12 ‘Follow That Girl’ (performed by Peter Gilmore) Disc 2 | Track 21 ‘One, Two, Three, One’ (performed by Eleanor Drew, Harry Dawson)

‘Follow That Girl’ was a musical by Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds, adapted from their earlier work ‘Christmas In King Street’ first staged at the Bristol Old Vic in 1952. The story centres on a girl named Victoria Gilchrist (played by Susan Hampshire), whose parents want her to marry one of two businessmen. She objects and runs away. Her capture after a long chase by a policeman, Tom (played by Peter Gilmore), leads to romance and finally marriage. The cast of ‘Follow That Girl’ also included , James Cairncross and Marion Grimaldi. An Original London Cast Album was released by HMV Records. Julian Slade alongside James Cairncross, Eleanor Drew and Harry Dawson recorded selections from ‘Christmas In King Street’ (featuring songs later included in ‘Follow That Girl’) for the 1957 album ‘The Music Of Julian Slade’ on Oriole.

JOHNNY THE PRIEST Prince’s Theatre Music: Antony Hopkins | Lyrics: Peter Powell Opened: April 19th 1960 (14 performances) Disc 1 | Track 25 ‘A Boy Called Johnny’ (performed by Jeremy Brett) Disc 2 | Track 8 ‘Be Not Afraid’ (performed by Toni Dalli)

‘Johnny The Priest’ was a musical adaptation of R.C. Sherriff’s 1957 play ‘The Telescope’, featuring book and lyrics by Peter Powell and music by classical composer Antony Hopkins. Reverend Highfield (played by Jeremy Brett) runs a youth club in London’s Docklands attended by the troubled adolescent, Johnny. Determined for Johnny to turn his life around, Highfield manages to secure Johnny a place in the Navy, however his new career path is thrown into jeopardy when Johnny is accused of stealing a telescope and Highfield has to face the dilemma of giving Johnny a false alibi. Produced by The Players’ Theatre, ‘Johnny The Priest’ opened at the Prince’s Theatre on April 19th 1960 and closed after just 14 performances following a backlash of negative reviews. Decca released an Original London Cast album which was swiftly withdrawn. Italian singer Toni Dalli released a single of ‘Be Not Afraid’ from the show on Columbia.

THE GOLDEN TOUCH Piccadilly Theatre Music & Lyrics: James Gilbert & Julian More Opened: May 5th 1960 (12 performances) Disc 2 | Track 9 ‘Funny Thing’ (performed by Johnny Wade)

‘The Golden Touch’ reunited ‘Grab Me A Gondola’ composers James Gilbert and Julian More, however this collaboration proved far less successful, closing after just 12 performances. Set on a Greek Island, the show centres on Krikor Agitan, a Greek shipping tycoon who intends to take over the island with an aim to turn it into a free port for his fleet of tankers, however Krikor underestimates the group of beatniks who inhabit the island (led by his daughter Gogo) who resist his plans. Although work began on recording a London Cast album of ‘The Golden Touch’, the recording was abandoned after the show was derided by the critics and swiftly closed. Singer and Johnny Wade released ‘Funny Thing’ from the show as his debut single on HMV Records.

CALL IT LOVE Wyndham’s Theatre Music & Lyrics: Sandy Wilson Opened: June 22nd 1960 (5 performances) Disc 1 | Track 14 ‘Call It Love’ (performed by Richard Owens)

‘Call It Love’ was a play by Robert Tanitch which linked five individual sketches satirising love and marriage through the ages. The production featured a handful of original Sandy Wilson songs which linked each individual segment. Despite the addition of Wilson’s music, ‘Call It Love’ proved a disaster with critics and audiences alike and closed after just 5 performances. Sandy Wilson’s original songs for ‘Call It Love’ were issued on an EP by Decca.

BELLE, OR THE BALLAD OF DR. CRIPPEN Strand Theatre Music & Lyrics: Monty Norman Opened: May 4th 1961 (44 performances) Disc 1 | Track 20 ‘Meet Me At The Strand’ (performed by Nicolette Roeg) Disc 2 | Track 16 ‘The Dit-Dit Song’ (performed by Tommy Steele)

Based on the play by Beverley Cross, ‘Belle’ featured music and lyrics by Monty Norman and a book by Wolf Mankowitz. The production was staged in the style of entertainment, in keeping with its early 20th century setting. Dr. Crippen and his mistress Ethel Le Neve set sail in an attempt to escape the police who have found the remains of Crippen’s wife Belle Elmore (a music hall singer) under his cellar floor. The production starred George Bensen (as Dr Crippen), Rose Hill (as Belle) and Virginia Vernon (as Ethel Le Neve). Reviews were mixed with many critics finding the musical’s subject matter in poor taste and the show closed after just 44 performances. A London Cast Album of ‘Belle’ was issued by Decca and pop star Tommy Steele recorded a cover of ‘The Dit Dit Song’ for the same label.

STOP THE WORLD - I WANT TO GET OFF Queen’s Theatre Music & Lyrics: Leslie Bricusse & Opened: July 20th 1961 (478 performances) Disc 2 | Track 18 ‘Typically English’ (performed by )

Written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley and directed and starring Newley, ‘Stop The World – I Want To Get Off’ focused on an ‘everyman’ character named Littlechap. Set throughout in a circus ring, the story follows Littlechap from birth to death, charting his life as he marries Evie, his bosses’ daughter, and finding himself trapped in the responsibility of a premature family. Turning to the comfort of other women, he finds little fulfilment and as he reaches his final years, he questions his existence, realising he wasted his life searching for a love that was always there. Starring alongside Newley as Littlechap was Anna Quayle as Evie, Jennifer and Susan Baker as daughters Jane and Susan and a Greek chorus including in her West End debut. ‘Stop The World – I Want To Get Off’ proved an instant success with critics and audiences, transferring to Broadway in October 1962. The show was later adapted on film in 1966 starring Tony Tanner as Littlechap and Millicent Martin as Evie. Several of the show’s songs became popular standards including ‘What Kind Of Fool Am I’, ‘Gonna Build A Mountain’ and ‘Once In A Lifetime’. Veteran actress, singer and comedienne Beatrice Lillie recorded a cover of Evie’s number ‘Typically English’, released as a single by Decca in 1961.

WILDEST DREAMS Vaudeville Theatre Music: Julian Slade | Lyrics: Julian Slade & Dorothy Reynolds Opened: August 3rd 1961 (76 performances) Disc 1 | Track 13 ‘Girl On The Hill’ (performed by John Baddeley and Anna Dawson)

‘Wildest Dreams’ was the final writing collaboration between Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds and first opened at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre in September 1960 before transferring to London’s Vaudeville Theatre in August 1961. The story focused on Harriet (played by Dorothy Reynolds) and her niece Carol (played by Anna Dawson) who reside in the sleepy village of Nelderham and have wild dreams of romance but eventually settle for Stephen, a composer of art songs and Mark, a local journalist. Despite the show’s quaint charm, critics found ‘Wildest Dreams’ too old fashioned in its approach and the production closed after just 76 performances. The ‘Wildest Dreams’ London Cast Album was released on HMV Records.

SCAPA! Adelphi Theatre Music, Lyrics & Book: Hugh Hastings Opened: March 8th 1962 (44 performances) Disc 2 | Track 25 ‘Selections From “Scapa!” Live - Seagull In The Sky / One Woman / Don’t Give A Damn / Some Voice’ (performed by David Hughes)

‘Scapa!’ was Hugh Hastings’ musical adaptation of his hugely successful 1950 play ‘Seagulls Over Sorrento’ (later adapted as the 1954 film ‘Crest Of The Wave’). Hastings wrote music, book and lyrics for the adaptation that opened at Liverpool’s in February 1962 before transferring to London’s Adelphi Theatre on March 8th 1962. The production starred David Hughes, Edward Woodward, Timothy Gray and Pete Murray. Sadly the success Hastings achieved with ‘Seagulls Over Sorrento’ was not matched in his musical adaptation and the show closed after just 44 performances. Although no cast recording for ‘Scapa!’ was produced, star David Hughes performed selections from the score live on a BBC broadcast.

VANITY FAIR Queen’s Theatre Music: Julian Slade | Lyrics: Robin Miller Opened: November 27th 1962 (70 performances) Disc 1 | Track 27 ‘Someone To Believe In’ (performed by Gordon Boyd)

Following Julian Slade’s 1961 West End musical ‘Wildest Dreams’ came ‘Vanity Fair’, an ambitious large-scale adaptation of W. M. Thackeray’s novel of the same name. Lyrics for ‘Vanity Fair’ were written by Robin Miller as Slade and regular collaborator Dorothy Reynolds had parted company after the failure of ‘Wildest Dreams’. The plot of ‘Vanity Fair’ follows school friends Becky Sharp (played by Frances Cuka) and Amelia Sedley (played by Eira Heath) who come from very differing backgrounds. Becky is poor but intelligent and marries Rawdon Crawley (played by ) who intends to inherit a fortune. Amelia marries Captain George Osborne (played by Gabriel Woolf), a man who does not love her. Both Crawley and Osborne die with Becky becoming a rich widow and finally accepted in society and Amelia finally realising true love from the faithful William Dobbin (played by Gordon Boyd). ‘Vanity Fair’ proved a critical failure and closed after just 70 performances. Although a London cast album of ‘Vanity Fair’ was not recorded, Gordon Boyd issued a single of his solo numbers (‘Someone To Believe In’ and ‘There She Is’) on the HMV label.

FURTHER READING

MUST CLOSE SATURDAY: The Decline and Fall of the British Musical Flop (Adrian Wright - Published October 2017 by The Boydell Press)

A TANNER’S WORTH OF TUNE: Rediscovering The Post-War British Musical (Adrian Wright - Published by The Boydell Press)