Lady Behave
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Introduction to "Lady Behave"
"Lady Behave" premiered in London’s West End at His Majesty’s Theatre on April 23, 1941, running for an impressive 401 performances during the height of World War II. Written by Stanley Lupino with music by Edward Horan, this British musical comedy starred Lupino as stuntman Tony Marriott alongside Sally Gray as his girlfriend Paula Kendall. Touted as possibly the first new musical staged in London since the war began, it featured a strong cast including Pat Kirkwood, Judy Kelly, Hartley Power, and Judy Campbell. Its Hollywood backdrop and spirited romance offered a much-needed escape for wartime audiences, securing its place as a popular success until Lupino’s illness led to Bobby Howes taking over the lead role.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Stanley Lupino penned the book and starred as the lead, infusing the show with his comedic flair honed in films like "Lucky to Me," while Edward Horan composed the lively score, complementing Lupino’s vision. Directed with wartime efficiency, the production showcased Sally Gray’s charm fresh from screen hits with Lupino and Pat Kirkwood’s rising star power. Judy Kelly, Hartley Power, and Judy Campbell added depth, with Bobby Howes stepping in seamlessly when Lupino’s health declined. Produced amid Blitz-era challenges, the team crafted a lighthearted hit that lifted spirits, proving British musical theatre could thrive even under duress, with Lupino’s charisma at its heart until his exit.
A Hollywood Romance with a Twist
Set in glitzy Hollywood, "Lady Behave" follows Tony Marriott, a stuntman desperate to marry Paula Kendall, an aspiring actress who insists on film success first. Tony’s schemes to boost her career backfire hilariously Paula lands a role, but he’s stuck as her double, sparking jealousy and chaos. The plot thickens with a rival suitor and a studio boss, weaving a web of mistaken identities and romantic mishaps. Songs like "I’m a Stuntman" and "Lady Behave" drive the romp, ending with Paula’s triumph and Tony’s proposal accepted a classic wartime tonic of love conquering all, tailored for a city craving levity.
Performance and Reception
Debuting amid air raids, "Lady Behave" drew crowds eager for distraction, its 401-performance run a testament to its appeal from April 1941 into 1942. Critics likely praised Lupino’s “irrepressible” energy and Gray’s sparkle, though wartime reviews are sparse. Audiences cheered its Hollywood escapism and the cast’s verve Kirkwood’s flair and Campbell’s poise shone making it a hit despite blackout curtains and bomb threats. Lupino’s exit due to illness shifted the spotlight to Howes, whose seasoned charm kept it afloat. Its success amid adversity highlighted theatre’s resilience, offering a morale boost when London needed it most, though no cast recording survives to echo its tunes.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"Lady Behave" carved a niche as a wartime West End survivor, its 401 performances outpacing many pre-war peers in a battered city. It bridged music hall traditions with modern musical comedy, influencing lighthearted fare like "Bless the Bride." A 1947 Swedish film adaptation, "Don’t Give Up," starring Nils Poppe, extended its reach, but no major stage revivals followed. Lupino’s final bow he died in 1942 and Gray’s shift to film left it a fond memory rather than a perennial. A product of its era, it remains a spirited snapshot of 1941’s pluck, a West End beacon when curtains rose against all odds.