Follow That Girl

Recently Updated

Follow That Girl: A West End Victorian Romp

"Follow That Girl" premiered at London’s Vaudeville Theatre in the West End on March 17, 1960, offering a lighthearted musical escape that ran for 211 performances until September of that year. With music by Julian Slade and book and lyrics by Slade and Dorothy Reynolds, this adaptation of their Bristol Old Vic production "Christmas in King Street" was directed by Dennis Carey and produced by Peter Bridge. The story follows Victoria Gilchrist, a spirited young woman fleeing her overbearing parents and an unwanted engagement, only to spark a romance with Tom Blenkinsop, the policeman chasing her. Starring Susan Hampshire as Victoria and Peter Gilmore as Tom, the show blended Victorian charm with 1960s whimsy, earning a Top 5 album spot and cementing Slade and Reynolds’ post-"Salad Days" reputation.

Origins and Creative Evolution

The musical’s roots lie in "Christmas in King Street," a 1950s Bristol Old Vic production steeped in local references like naming Victoria after the university’s student union building. Slade and Reynolds, buoyed by "Salad Days"’ 2,329-performance triumph, reworked it for the West End, stripping most Bristol nods for broader appeal. Bernard Grun adapted the score, while Carey’s direction preserved its playful tone. The plot pivots on Victoria’s rebellion against her stern father (James Cairncross) and dotty mother (Patricia Routledge), weaving a chase through Victorian London that lands her in Tom’s arms. Debuting after a Bristol hit, it rode Slade’s melodic wave, though its narrative leaned on charm over complexity, a deliberate echo of their earlier success.

The West End Production

Opening at the Vaudeville, "Follow That Girl" starred Hampshire as the runaway Victoria, Gilmore as the smitten Tom, and a cast including Cairncross, Routledge, Robert MacBain, and Philip Guard. The story unfolds as Victoria escapes two suitors Tancred and Wilberforce foisted by her father, crossing paths with artist Walter Miskin and his wife Cora, who mourn a lost son. Tom’s pursuit, from stopping her leap off Albert Bridge to winning her heart, drives the action, ending in a joyful union. Its 211-performance run drew steady crowds, bolstered by Hampshire’s rising star and a hit cast album, though it didn’t match "Salad Days"’ longevity, closing amid a bustling 1960s West End scene.

Musical and Theatrical Charm

Slade’s score sparkles with tunes like "Follow That Girl," a lilting title track, and "Three Victorian Mermaids," a whimsical trio number. "Waiting for Our Daughter" tugs at parental heartstrings, while "Let’s Take a Stroll Through London" paints a jaunty cityscape. The album, featuring Hampshire and Jenny Wren (standing in for an indisposed Patricia Michael), hit Top 5 status, its melodies echoing "Salad Days"’ breezy style. Carey’s staging leaned on simple sets and spirited choreography, spotlighting Hampshire’s grace and Gilmore’s earnestness. Critics found it “charming but mild,” a confection of Victorian whimsy that thrived on Slade’s knack for catchy, unpretentious songs.

Recordings and Lasting Echoes

The original London cast recording, released in 1960 by HMV, preserves the show’s warmth, though its LP-to-CD transfers vary in quality Must Close Saturday Records’ version retains some vinyl crackle. No major West End revival followed, but its inclusion in "Lost West End Vintage 2" (2018) nods to its rediscovery. Amateur productions persist, licensed via Music Theatre International, keeping its melodies alive. Unlike "Salad Days," it didn’t tour extensively or hit Broadway, yet its Bristol-to-London journey and album success mark it as a cherished Slade-Reynolds footnote, a snapshot of 1960s musical optimism.

Legacy and Cultural Footprint

"Follow That Girl" carved a modest West End niche, its 211 performances a respectable follow-up to "Salad Days"’ record-breaking run. Outshone by giants like "Oliver!," it still drew fans with its Victorian caper and Slade’s melodic touch, selling out its Bristol roots before charming London. Critics saw it as a lighter echo of its predecessor, but its Top 5 album and Hampshire’s breakout role fueled its brief blaze. Influencing later whimsical musicals, it reflects a 1960s appetite for nostalgia-tinged romance. As of March 2025, its legacy lingers in recordings and rare stagings a sweet, fleeting chase through West End history.