Glamorous Night
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Introduction to "Glamorous Night"
"Glamorous Night" premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London’s West End on May 2, 1935, marking Ivor Novello’s triumphant return to musical theatre. With a book and music by Novello and lyrics by Christopher Hassall, the show ran for 234 performances across Drury Lane and a subsequent transfer to the London Coliseum in May 1936. A lavish operetta-style production, it starred Novello as Anthony Allen and Mary Ellis as Militza Hajos, blending romance, spectacle, and a mythical Ruritanian setting. Its extravagant staging including a shipwreck scene set a new standard for West End musicals of the era.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Ivor Novello, a Welsh-born composer and actor, wrote the book and score, drawing on his operetta influences. Christopher Hassall, his frequent collaborator, provided the poetic lyrics, crafting songs like the titular "Glamorous Night." Directed by Leontine Sagan, with choreography by Ralph Reader, the production featured a stellar cast, including Zena Dare, Olive Gilbert, and Elisabeth Welch. Novello’s vision as both creator and star shaped the show, while Charles Prentice’s orchestrations added lush depth, making it a hallmark of 1930s British musical theatre.
A Romantic Ruritanian Tale
The plot follows Anthony Allen, a disillusioned inventor who, after failing to sell his television system, embarks on a luxury cruise. In the fictional kingdom of Krasnia, he attends an operetta starring Militza Hajos, a glamorous prima donna and former mistress of King Stefan. When Anthony foils an assassination attempt on Militza, their fates intertwine. She joins his cruise ship, sparking a romance amid political intrigue and a dramatic shipwreck. The story, echoing real-life royal scandals, blends escapist fantasy with heartfelt emotion, culminating in a bittersweet resolution.
Performance and Reception
Opening to strong ticket sales, "Glamorous Night" dazzled audiences with its opulent sets a gypsy wedding, a sinking liner and Novello’s charismatic presence. Critics praised its spectacle, with The Times later noting it rescued Drury Lane’s fortunes. Mary Ellis’s soaring vocals and the show’s romantic allure won fans, though some found the plot predictable. Its initial run ended due to a pantomime booking, but a provincial tour and Coliseum revival extended its reach. The 1937 film adaptation, starring Ellis and Otto Kruger, further broadened its appeal.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"Glamorous Night" launched Novello’s string of 1930s and 1940s musical hits, including "The Dancing Years" and "King’s Rhapsody," cementing his status as Britain’s preeminent musical theatre composer before Andrew Lloyd Webber. Its blend of operetta and modern staging influenced the genre, though its Ruritanian romance later fell from fashion. Revivals, like a 1998 concert at Drury Lane, and its lasting melodies like "Shine Through My Dreams" keep it alive. The musical remains a glittering testament to Novello’s flair for melody and theatrical extravagance.