Primrose
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Exploring "Primrose" on the West End
"Primrose" is a delightful musical comedy that graced the West End stage in the 1920s, showcasing the early brilliance of George Gershwin. With a book by Guy Bolton and George Grossmith Jr., lyrics by Desmond Carter and Ira Gershwin, and music by Gershwin himself, it premiered at the Winter Garden Theatre in London on September 11, 1924. Running for 255 performances until June 27, 1925, this frothy tale of love and mistaken identities was crafted expressly for British audiences, blending Edwardian charm with Gershwin’s emerging genius.
A Whimsical Love Story
The plot centers on Hilary Vane, a writer struggling with his latest novel, whose real-life entanglements mirror his fictional creations. Enter Pinkie Peach, a beauty expert pining for Hilary, and Joan, who loves bank teller Toby Mopham except Toby’s smitten with Pinkie. As Hilary’s story-within-a-story unfolds, the characters navigate a houseboat on the Thames, a French seaside resort, and a swanky London mansion. Misunderstandings abound, from Joan’s pursuit of Toby to Pinkie’s transformation into a brunette, culminating in a farcical yet heartwarming resolution where love triumphs.
Gershwin’s London Venture
At 25, George Gershwin was already a rising star when Grossmith and J.A.E. Malone tapped him for "Primrose." Fresh off Rhapsody in Blue, he composed and partially orchestrated the score, a first for him. Bolton and Grossmith Jr.’s book leaned on Edwardian tropes, while Desmond Carter’s witty lyrics added sparkle. Directed by Grossmith, the production starred Leslie Henson as Hilary, Margery Hicklin as Pinkie, and Claude Hulbert as Toby, with Heather Thatcher and Percy Heming rounding out the cast. Its old-fashioned charm stood apart from Gershwin’s later, jazzier works.
The West End Run
Opening just two months before Lady, Be Good! hit Broadway, "Primrose" thrived at the Winter Garden Theatre, a venue known for spectacle. Its 255-performance run marked a solid success, buoyed by Henson’s comedic flair and Gershwin’s tuneful score. Critics praised its lighthearted farce and Carter’s clever wordplay, though its traditional style echoed Gilbert and Sullivan more than the Roaring Twenties. Never staged on Broadway due to scheduling conflicts, it remained a London exclusive until a 1987 American concert revival.
Musical Highlights
The score brims with Gershwin’s melodic flair: “Some Far-Away Someone” drips with romance, while “Boy Wanted” charms with its playful lilt. “Isn’t It Wonderful” captures the lovers’ joy, and “Beau Brummel” nods to Regency swagger. These songs, paired with Carter’s lyrics, evoke a bygone era, though they lack the brash modernity of Gershwin’s later hits. A 1924 piano-vocal edition preserved the music, rediscovered in 1982 after being thought lost, offering a window into this early gem.
A Transatlantic Footnote
"Primrose" didn’t conquer Broadway, but its London triumph paved the way for Gershwin’s global rise. Its American premiere came in 1987 at the Library of Congress, followed by staged concerts in 2003 and a 2017 Ohio Light Opera production the first fully staged U.S. outing. In the UK, its West End legacy lingers as a charming detour, a testament to Gershwin’s versatility and the era’s appetite for escapist farce.
Why "Primrose" Endures
"Primrose" captivates with its whimsical plot and Gershwin’s youthful exuberance, a snapshot of 1920s West End tastes. Its 255-performance run showcased London’s love for polished comedy, offering a lighter counterpoint to the decade’s jazzier trends. For theatre buffs, it’s a rare treat an early Gershwin work tailored for Britain, blending nostalgia with the promise of a composer on the cusp of greatness.