A Spoonful of Sherman
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A Musical Legacy: A Spoonful of Sherman on the West End
The West End has long been a stage for celebrating theatrical innovation and nostalgia, and A Spoonful of Sherman fits perfectly into this tradition. This musical revue, written and narrated by Robert J. Sherman, premiered at London’s St. James Theatre (now The Other Palace) on January 6, 2014, offering audiences a joyous journey through nearly a century of Sherman family songwriting. Featuring the iconic works of the Sherman Brothers Robert B. and Richard M. alongside their father Al Sherman and Robert J. Sherman himself, the show ran for limited engagements in 2014 and 2017, enchanting London with its blend of Disney classics, Tin Pan Alley tunes, and fresh compositions. A celebration of a musical dynasty, A Spoonful of Sherman remains a heartfelt tribute that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Origins and Evolution
A Spoonful of Sherman began as a personal project for Robert J. Sherman, sparked by the posthumous release of his father Robert B. Sherman’s autobiography, Moose: Chapters From My Life, which he edited. The 2014 premiere doubled as a book launch, blending cabaret-style performances with Sherman’s narration of his family’s legacy. Directed by Stewart Nicholls with musical direction by Colin Billing, the original cast Charlotte Wakefield, Emma Williams, Stuart Matthew Price, and Greg Castiglioni brought rising West End talent to the intimate St. James Studio. The show returned for an encore run from April 15–22, 2014, cementing its early success.
By 2017, the production evolved into a broader tribute at Live at Zédel (August 7–20), with Helena Blackman, Daniel Boys, and Christopher Hamilton joining Sherman. Here, the narrative shifted to encompass both Sherman Brothers and their father Al, reflecting a growing ambition to honor the full family legacy. This cabaret iteration paved the way for a fully staged UK/Ireland tour in 2018, though its West End roots remain its defining chapter.
The Plot: A Song-Driven Story
Unlike traditional musicals, A Spoonful of Sherman is a revue with no linear plot, instead weaving a narrative through song and spoken interludes. Sherman narrates the century-spanning journey of his family’s music, starting with Al Sherman’s Tin Pan Alley hits from the 1920s, like “You Gotta Be a Football Hero,” through the Sherman Brothers’ Oscar-winning Disney anthems, such as “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and into his own works like “Music of the Spheres” from Love Birds. The show’s structure is chronological yet flexible, spotlighting the personal stories behind the songs tales of resilience, creativity, and familial bonds.
The Liebeslieder-style quintet of singers serves as a Greek chorus, embodying various characters from the Sherman catalog while Sherman’s commentary ties the eras together. It’s less a story of conflict and resolution than a celebration of legacy, inviting audiences to revel in the music that shaped their childhoods and beyond.
A Musical Feast
The score of A Spoonful of Sherman is a treasure chest of earworms, spanning three generations. Al Sherman’s jazzy standards set the stage, followed by the Sherman Brothers’ Disney classics “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “I Wanna Be Like You” which dominate the evening with their infectious charm. Robert J. Sherman’s contributions, including selections from Bumblescratch and Love Birds, add a modern twist, proving the family’s musical DNA endures.
Performed initially with minimal accompaniment often just a piano or two the arrangements by Colin Billing (2014) and later Rowland Lee (2017) emphasize vocal harmony and lyrical wit. Critics praised the “first-rate quartet” (Broadway Baby) for delivering “one joyous hit after another” with polished flair, making the music the true star of this nostalgic ride.
The West End Experience
The 2014 St. James Theatre runs first in January, then April offered an intimate cabaret setting, with a simple stage and lighting by Andrew Holton that kept the focus on the performers. The cast’s versatility shone, from Wakefield’s radiant soprano to Price’s moving “Hushabye Mountain.” The 2017 Live at Zédel production retained this intimacy, with Boys and Blackman adding fresh energy to the Sherman canon. Both venues, nestled in London’s theater heartland, suited the show’s revue style, fostering a cozy connection with audiences.
The West End outings earned glowing reviews: The Times gave four stars, calling it a “happy memorial,” while Musical Theatre Review predicted “a great future” for its blend of revelation and joy. Though not a long-running fixture like Les Misérables, its limited engagements totaling fewer than 20 performances across both years left a lasting impression as a boutique theatrical event.
A Global Journey
Beyond the West End, A Spoonful of Sherman grew wings. The 2018 UK/Ireland tour, starring Sophie-Louise Dann, Mark Read, and others, transformed it into a fully staged musical, playing 25 cities with Gabriella Slade’s whimsical design. A 2019 U.S. premiere in San Jose, California, brought it to American shores, followed by an Asian debut in Singapore with Sing’Theatre. Available for licensing since late 2018, it has found a niche in smaller venues and amateur productions, its portability a testament to its universal appeal.
Why It Resonates
A Spoonful of Sherman thrives on nostalgia, tapping into the collective memory of Disney’s golden age while honoring a family’s creative lineage. Its simplicity no elaborate sets or convoluted plots lets the songs speak, evoking childhood wonder and adult reflection. For West End audiences, it offered a rare chance to see behind the curtain of beloved classics, delivered with warmth and wit. Yet, its revue format and reliance on familiar hits limit its depth, keeping it a delightful diversion rather than a transformative narrative.
A Sweet Legacy
In the West End’s glittering history, A Spoonful of Sherman is a charming footnote a musical love letter to a songwriting dynasty that shaped generations. Its 2014 and 2017 runs showcased the Sherman Brothers’ timeless magic, from Mary Poppins to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, while introducing Robert J. Sherman as a worthy heir. Though it may not dominate today’s marquees, its journey from St. James to Zédel and beyond proves that a spoonful of Sherman’s sugar still sweetens the stage, one nostalgic note at a time.