History of British Musicals FEATURE

In the first part of the twentieth century, British musicals struggled to compete against the dazzling stage productions of Hollywood musicals. There have been many hit British musicals before and after 'Cats.' How many do you remember?

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In the first part of the twentieth century, British musicals struggled to compete against the dazzling stage productions of Hollywood musicals. However, when Trevor Nunn directed 'Cats' in 1981, it was an international hit, and became one of the most successful British musicals of all time. There have been many hit British musicals before and after 'Cats.' How many do you remember?

1930s and 1940s

'Me and My Girl' opened in 1937 at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London. With songs by Noel Gay, including 'The Lambeth Walk' and 'The Sun Has Got His Hat On,' the musical was a big hit. It was even more successful when it was revived in 1985, starring Robert Lindsay and Emma Thompson in the lead roles.

Other famous musicals of this period came from Noel Coward and Ivor Novello. Ivor Novello's 'The Dancing Years' was first produced in London's West End in 1939. With a large cast and spectacular production, it was one of his most popular musicals. Novello composed, wrote, and starred in a series of dazzlingly romantic musicals, taking advantage of the Drury Lane stage technology to portray earthquakes and sinking ships.

1950s and 1960s

In 1953, Sandy Wilson's 'The Boy Friend' was a huge success in London and travelled to Broadway, making a star of its leading lady, Julie Andrews. 1954 saw the opening of 'Salad Days' by Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds. It became the longest-running show in British musical theatre history, running for more than 2000 performances. It reputedly inspired Cameron Mackintosh - then eight-years-old - to become the successful theatre producer that he is today.

In 1960, Lionel Bart's 'Oliver' opened to rave reviews, with an innovative revolving stage set designed by Sean Kenny. Several of its child actors found future fame, including Davy Jones, Phil Collins, and Tony Robinson.

1970s and 1980s

The cult hit 'The Rocky Horror Show' by Richard O'Brien opened in 1973, and became an international smash hit. It reinvigorated the phenomenon of audience participation with people going to the theatre dressed in the same Gothic style as the actors, and singing along to songs like 'The Time Warp.'

The first hit for Andrew Lloyd Webber (with Tim Rice) was 'Jesus Christ Superstar' which opened in 1972 and starred Paul Nicholas as Jesus. Running for eight years, it became the longest-running musical at that time in the UK. This was the golden era for Andrew Lloyd Webber, with 'Evita' opening in 1978, making a huge star of Elaine Page, and 'Cats' in 1981, which ran in London for a staggering 21 years. There was also 'Starlight Express' in 1984, which astounded audiences with its roller rink set, and was the biggest budget musical to date. 'Phantom of the Opera' opened in 1986 and went on to become one of the longest-running musicals in the West End.

There were other hugely successful musicals in the 1980s. 'Blood Brothers,' written by Willy Russell and first staged in 1988, is one of the longest-running musicals in London theatre. And 'Buddy The Buddy Holly Story,' appearing in 1989, was one of the first so-called 'jukebox musicals.' Featuring the songs of Buddy Holly, it signalled the beginning of a trend in British musicals that would continue for many years.

1990s and Beyond

Taking their inspiration from popular films, musicals emerged in the 1990s with 'automatic audiences.' Fans of hit films such as 'The Lion King' would flock to see the lavish stage production, which even catered for children. Critical reviews did not stop the commercial success of such popular and polished productions.

Mamma Mia, which opened in the West End in 1999, is arguably the most successful 'jukebox musical' to date, with music by Abba members Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Other musicals emerged with story lines woven around hit songs, including 'We Will Rock You,' with music by Queen, and 'Our House,' with music by Madness.

In 2005, 'Billy Elliot the Musical' showed once again how a hit film can transform into a successful musical. With music by Sir Elton John and lyrics by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screen play, it won four Laurence Olivier Awards, including best New Musical.

From the comedy reviews of the 1930s to present-day 'jukebox musicals,' British musicals have enjoyed numerous commercial and critical successes. There have been many flops, and there will be more to come. But if the right balance is found between commercial appeal and artistic expression, there will no doubt be many more successful British musicals in the future.

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