Gone with the Wind

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Introduction to "Gone with the Wind"

"Gone with the Wind" premiered at the New London Theatre Theatre in London’s West End on April 22, 2008, following previews from April 5. Adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1936 novel and its iconic 1939 film, this musical was directed by Trevor Nunn with a book, music, and lyrics by Margaret Martin. Starring Darius Danesh as Rhett Butler and Jill Paice as Scarlett O’Hara, the production aimed to bring the Civil War-era romance to the stage with grand spectacle. Despite high expectations, it closed after just 79 performances on June 14, 2008, marking it as one of the West End’s notable flops.

The Creative Team Behind the Show

Trevor Nunn, famed for "Cats" and "Les Misérables," directed this ambitious adaptation, drawn to its epic scope. Margaret Martin, a newcomer to musical theatre with a background in public health, wrote the book, music, and lyrics, securing the rights from the Mitchell Trust. Producers Aldo Scrofani and Colin Ingram backed the £4.75 million venture, with sets by John Napier and costumes by Andreane Neofitou. The cast included Edward Baker-Duly as Ashley Wilkes, Madeleine Worrall as Melanie, and NaTasha Yvette Williams as Mammy, bringing vocal power to the ensemble.

An Epic Tale of Love and War

Set in 1860s Georgia, the musical follows Scarlett O’Hara, a headstrong Southern belle, and Rhett Butler, a roguish blockade runner. Their turbulent romance unfolds against the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Scarlett pines for Ashley Wilkes, marrying twice before Rhett, while war ravages her world. Key moments like the burning of Atlanta and Scarlett delivering Melanie’s baby blend drama and song. The story ends with Rhett’s iconic exit, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” and Scarlett’s resolve to reclaim Tara, faithful to the novel’s three children unlike the film’s focus on Bonnie.

Performance and Reception

The show opened to scathing reviews, with critics slamming its 3-hour-40-minute runtime later trimmed to 3 hours 10 minutes and Martin’s lackluster score. The Evening Standard called it “a cruel, unusual punishment,” while The Guardian questioned its purpose. Despite dazzling effects, like Atlanta’s burning, and strong performances from Danesh and Williams, it failed to ignite audiences. Poor box office returns doomed its planned September run, closing early and costing investors heavily. Some praised its ambition, but it couldn’t escape comparisons to the 1939 film’s grandeur.

Legacy in West End Theatre

"Gone with the Wind" joins the ranks of West End misfires like "Lord of the Rings," overshadowed by its cinematic predecessor. A 1972 version at Drury Lane, with Harold Rome’s score, had fared better, running 397 performances. The 2008 production’s swift demise stalled plans for Broadway, though global interest persists. Its cast recording and spiritual-infused songs retain a niche following. Today, it’s a cautionary tale of adapting beloved classics, a bold but fleeting gust in London’s theatrical history.