I and Albert
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Introduction to "I and Albert"
"I and Albert" premiered in London’s West End at the Piccadilly Theatre on November 6, 1972, a musical delving into the lives of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. With music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams, and a book by Jay Presson Allen, it ran for 120 performances, closing in February 1973. Directed by John Schlesinger, the production starred Polly James as Victoria and Sven-Bertil Taube as Albert. Though a commercial flop, its ambitious scope and lavish staging offered a unique take on royal romance, coinciding with a shifting West End landscape in the early 1970s.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Charles Strouse, famed for "Annie," composed the score, blending grandeur with intimacy, while Lee Adams, his "Bye Bye Birdie" collaborator, penned the lyrics. Jay Presson Allen’s book drew from Victoria and Albert’s real-life correspondence, aiming for historical depth. John Schlesinger, an Oscar-winning filmmaker, directed, bringing cinematic flair to the stage. Polly James infused Victoria with youthful vigor, opposite Sven-Bertil Taube’s earnest Albert, with Lewis Fiander and Aubrey Woods as key advisors. The team’s pedigree promised much, though execution faltered.
A Royal Love Story Unfolds
The plot traces Victoria’s ascent to the throne in 1837 and her meeting with cousin Albert in 1836, sparking an attraction despite their differences. After her father’s death, their romance blooms amid courtly pressures, culminating in a grand 1840 wedding. Albert becomes her confidant, pushing modernization reflected in songs like "The Genius of Man" while they raise nine children. Triumphs fade as Albert’s health declines, dying in 1861, leaving Victoria in mournful solitude. The narrative balances pomp with personal loss, framing their legacy as Britain’s power couple.
Performance and Reception
Opening to high hopes, "I and Albert" stumbled with critics. Reviews panned its uneven pacing and score, though the production’s “splendid” visuals projections and costumes earned praise, as did Polly James’ “appealing” Victoria. Audiences found it earnest but unmemorable, and its 120-performance run reflected a tepid response. The Times noted its “noble failure,” a sentiment echoed by its quick closure. Still, its ambition stood out amid 1972’s West End, overshadowed by flashier hits like "Jesus Christ Superstar," marking it as a bold misfire.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"I and Albert" left a faint mark on the West End, overshadowed by its brief run and lack of revivals. Its North American premiere came in 1985 at ArtPark, New York, and an Off-Broadway staging hit York Theatre in 2007, but Broadway eluded it. The musical’s focus on historical nuance over crowd-pleasing spectacle limited its appeal, yet it showcased Strouse’s versatility. Today, it’s a curiosity a footnote in London’s musical canon, remembered for its royal ambition rather than enduring success.