Pippin

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Stepping Into "Pippin" on the West End

"Pippin" is a vibrant, introspective musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson, offering a whimsical yet profound journey through a young prince’s search for meaning. While it premiered on Broadway in 1972, its West End debut came on October 30, 1973, at Her Majesty’s Theatre, running for a modest 85 performances until January 12, 1974. Directed by Bob Fosse, whose iconic choreography defined its original allure, the show starred Paul Jones and Patricia Hodge, bringing its medieval-meets-vaudeville flair to London with a distinct, if short-lived, sparkle.

A Quest for Purpose

The story unfolds as a troupe of players, led by the enigmatic Leading Player, narrates the tale of Pippin, son of Emperor Charlemagne. Restless and eager to find his “corner of the sky,” Pippin tries war, lust, politics, and art guided and goaded by the troupe. From battling Visigoths with his father to dallying with lovers and overthrowing a tyrant, his adventures peak in a fiery temptation to leap into glory. Ultimately, he chooses quiet domesticity with widow Catherine and her son Theo, a bittersweet end that questions the cost of extraordinary living.

Fosse’s Creative Stamp

Stephen Schwartz’s score think jazzy pop with medieval undertones pairs with Hirson’s book to craft a meta-theatrical fable. Bob Fosse’s direction and choreography, dripping with sensuality and precision, turned "Pippin" into a visual feast, though his darker vision occasionally clashed with Schwartz’s earnestness. In London, Paul Jones brought rock-star charisma to Pippin, while Patricia Hodge’s Catherine softened the tale’s edges. Northern Soul singer Diane Langton as Fastrada and Elisabeth Welch as Berthe added flair, with John Turner’s Leading Player steering the narrative’s twists.

A Brief West End Bow

Opening after a triumphant 1,944-performance Broadway run, "Pippin" arrived at Her Majesty’s Theatre with high hopes, produced by Stigwood International. Critics were mixed some lauded its energy and Jones’s appeal, others found its American razzle-dazzle a tough fit for British tastes. Closing after just 85 shows, it didn’t replicate Broadway’s longevity, perhaps overshadowed by homegrown hits. A 2011 revival at the Menier Chocolate Factory, directed by Mitch Sebastian, ran December 6 to March 4, 2012, offering a tighter, modern take that earned warmer acclaim.

Songs That Soar

The score dazzles with “Magic to Do,” the Leading Player’s seductive opener, and “Corner of the Sky,” Pippin’s soaring anthem of ambition. “No Time at All,” Berthe’s raucous call to seize the day, and “Morning Glow,” a hopeful hymn, shine as highlights. Fosse’s slinky moves amplify numbers like “With You,” turning them into dance-driven spectacles. The 1973 cast recording captures Jones’s soulful spin, though the revival’s intimacy at Menier gave these tunes a fresh, introspective edge.

A Lasting Echo

"Pippin" found greater success stateside, winning five Tonys in 1973 and a 2013 revival that clinched four more. Its West End legacy is quieter 1973’s brevity belied its cult status, while 2011’s Menier run, with Matt Rawle and Frances Ruffelle, sparked renewed interest. The musical’s blend of medieval whimsy and existential bite has kept it alive in regional and international stagings, a testament to its quirky, timeless appeal.

Why "Pippin" Resonates

"Pippin" enchants with its bold mix of razzmatazz and soul-searching, a circus-like romp that dares to ask big questions. Its West End outings brief in ’73, revitalized in ’11 showcase a story that bends genres and defies easy answers. For London audiences, it’s a rare treat: a medieval prince’s odyssey that mirrors our own hunt for purpose, wrapped in Fosse’s unforgettable strut.