Perchance to Dream
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Stepping into "Perchance to Dream" on the West End
"Perchance to Dream" is a sweeping musical romance that enchanted West End audiences with its premiere at the Hippodrome Theatre on April 21, 1945. Written and composed entirely by Ivor Novello the only musical for which he penned the lyrics it ran for an impressive 1,022 performances, closing on October 11, 1948. This wartime triumph, starring Novello himself, spun a tale across three eras, weaving love, loss, and redemption into a lush score, with its hit song "We’ll Gather Lilacs" capturing the hope of a nation nearing peace.
A Tale Across Time
The musical unfolds at Huntersmoon, a grand English estate, spanning the Regency, Victorian, and post-war periods. In 1818, Sir Graham Rodney, a rakish highwayman, falls for Melinda Fayre, only to meet a tragic end. Decades later, in 1843, his cousin Valentine Fayre, a composer, navigates love and betrayal with Veronica Lyddington and the tempestuous Melanie. By 1945, their descendant Bay Fayre weds Melody, a modern echo of past loves, finally laying the estate’s restless ghosts to rest. This multi-generational saga intertwines romance with a haunting sense of destiny.
Novello’s Singular Vision
Ivor Novello crafted every element of "Perchance to Dream," from its book and lyrics to its evocative music. Directed by Jack Minster, with choreography by Frank Staff and Keith Lester, the production starred Novello in triple roles Sir Graham, Valentine, and Bay alongside Margaret Rutherford as Lady Charlotte and Olive Gilbert as Ernestine. Roma Beaumont and Muriel Barron brought youthful energy to the lovers. Novello’s non-singing leads leaned on his charisma, letting the ensemble’s voices shine, a bold choice for a musical of its time.
A Post-War West End Sensation
Opening as World War II neared its end, "Perchance to Dream" struck a chord with audiences craving escapism and reunion. Its 1,022-performance run at the Hippodrome made it Novello’s longest-running show, outpacing even his earlier hits like "Glamorous Night." Critics praised its lush melodies and romantic sweep, though some found its sentiment old-fashioned. A 2011 revival at the Finborough Theatre the first professional staging in decades reaffirmed its charm, marking 60 years since Novello’s death.
Musical Highlights and Heartstrings
The score brims with Novello’s signature romance, from the tender “Love Is My Reason” to the rousing “Highwayman Love.” The standout, “We’ll Gather Lilacs,” sung by Olive Gilbert, became an anthem of longing and renewal, echoing wartime sentiment. Numbers like “A Woman’s Heart” and “When I Curtsied to the King” blend Regency pomp with Victorian grace, while the finale ties the eras together in harmonic resolution, offering a cathartic close to Huntersmoon’s saga.
A Lasting Echo
Though overshadowed by flashier modern musicals, "Perchance to Dream" remains Novello’s crowning achievement. Its extensive original run and subsequent tours kept it alive in British theatre memory, with the Finborough revival sparking renewed interest. The musical’s blend of nostalgia and narrative ambition influenced later works, cementing Novello’s legacy honored today by the Ivor Novello Awards as a master of melodic storytelling.
Why "Perchance to Dream" Endures
This musical enchants with its timeless romance and a score that tugs at the heart. For 1940s West End audiences, it was a beacon of hope amid war’s shadow; today, it’s a portal to an era of theatrical grandeur. Novello’s vision unironic, earnest, and beautifully crafted offers a rare escape, proving that stories of love across time can still stir the soul.