Gay's the Word
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Introduction to "Gay's the Word"
"Gay's the Word" is a musical that debuted in London’s West End at the Saville Theatre on February 16, 1951, following a premiere at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on October 17, 1950. Crafted by the renowned Ivor Novello, with lyrics by Alan Melville, this production ran for an impressive 504 performances. A backstage comedy, it parodies Novello’s signature Ruritanian romance plots, blending traditional British humor with the emerging American musical theatre style. Starring Cicely Courtneidge as the titular Gay Daventry, the show became Novello’s final work before his death in March 1951, cementing its place in West End history.
The Creative Minds Behind the Musical
The musical’s book and score were penned by Ivor Novello, a Welsh-born composer and actor celebrated for hits like "Glamorous Night" and "The Dancing Years." Lyrics came from Alan Melville, a revue specialist whose wit complemented Novello’s melodies. Directed with flair, the production showcased Cicely Courtneidge’s comedic prowess, alongside Lizbeth Webb’s soprano elegance and Thorley Walters’ supporting charm. Novello’s shift from operetta to a peppier, more contemporary sound marked a creative evolution, though his untimely passing shortly after the premiere left "Gay's the Word" as his swan song.
A Plot Full of Vitality
The story follows Gay Daventry, a bankrupt operetta star whose latest London show flops. With backing from the show’s ingénue, Linda, Gay opens a drama school in her Folkestone country house, preaching "vitality" as the key to success. A subplot introduces two smugglers hoping to use the school as a cover for their illicit trade. The narrative peaks at an end-of-term performance where Gay, stepping in for a resigned dance teacher, performs as a Greek dancer. An auction scene featuring Gay disguised as an auctioneer reveals the smugglers’ contraband, tying the comedic threads together in a lighthearted resolution.
Reception and Performance Highlights
Opening in 1951, "Gay's the Word" capitalized on Cicely Courtneidge’s star power, with critics noting her "indefatigable vitality" as the show’s driving force. Lizbeth Webb’s glamorous solos, like "If Only He’d Looked My Way," later recorded by Frank Sinatra, added musical allure. Reviews were mixed: some praised its charm, while others found it uneven. The British Theatre Guide remarked that without Courtneidge, it might have faltered, yet her presence ensured a hit. The show’s 504-performance run underscored its appeal, blending nostalgia with a fresh theatrical spirit.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"Gay's the Word" stands as a bridge between Novello’s operetta legacy and the evolving musical theatre landscape of the 1950s. Its 2012 revival at the Finborough Theatre, with a revised book by Richard Stirling, reintroduced its campy charm to modern audiences, featuring Sophie-Louise Dann and Helena Blackman. While not as enduring as "Les Misérables" or "The Phantom of the Opera," it remains a delightful footnote in West End lore, reflecting an era of transition and the enduring draw of Novello’s melodic genius.