A tribute to composers whose melodies in the past twenty-five years have enriched the world of musical comedy and operetta
Introduced by Eric Maschwitz and ' The First-Nighter '
Written by Gale Pedrick
Chapter 9
The music of: Edward German ,Lionel Monckton Rudolf Friml , Montague Phillips with Lucille Graham. Billie Baker
Bruce Trent , Dudley Rolph
Jan van der Gucht
BBC Chorus
(Chorus-Master, Leslie Woodgate )
BBC Concert Orchestra
(Leader, John Sharpe )
Conductor, Gilbert Vinter
Produced by Michael North
We are inclined to talk airily about the evergreen quality of the theatre music which has enlivened the British theatre in the past fifty years or so. The 'Nights of Gladness' series has proved quite overwhelmingly that this applies to a great many more musical comedies (and ' plays with music ') chan we suspected. The First-Nighter and his knowledgeable friend, Eric Maschwitz, have already discussed (with melodious illustrations) the work of leading British composers, and have talked about many productions which, while originating on the Continent or in America, became ' best-sellers ' when played in the West End with British companies. This week we evoke memories of shows that have been revived again and again and which, like Sir Edward German's ' Merrie England' and Montague Phillips' ' The Rebel Maid,' seem to have acquired a dignified and permanent place in entertainment. We shall hear, too, the familiar melodies of ' The Quaker Girl '— happy shades of Gertie Millar and Joe Coyneand ' The Vagabond King,' in which Derek Oldham sang as Francois Villon. G. P.