Spend Spend Spend

Recently Updated

Spend Spend Spend: A Rags-to-Riches Musical in the West End

Spend Spend Spend is a spirited West End musical that brings to life the extraordinary true story of Viv Nicholson, a Yorkshire housewife who won £152,319 in the football pools in 1961 equivalent to over £4 million today. With a book and lyrics by Steve Brown and Justin Greene, and music by Brown, the show captures the highs and lows of Nicholson’s journey from poverty to extravagance and back again. Premiering in the West End in 1999, it blends humor, heart, and a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of wealth, making it a standout in London’s musical theatre scene.

Origins and West End Premiere

The musical debuted at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds in 1998, where it won the Barclays Theatre Award for Best Musical. Its success led to a West End transfer, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre on October 12, 1999, after a week of previews. Directed by Jeremy Sams and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, the production ran until August 5, 2000. The original London cast featured Barbara Dickson as the older Viv Nicholson, Rachel Leskovac as her younger self, Steven Houghton, and Jeff Shankley, delivering a vibrant portrayal of this larger-than-life tale under the musical direction of Dane Preece.

The Story: From Castleford to Chaos

Spend Spend Spend follows Viv Nicholson’s whirlwind life after her massive pools win. When asked what she’d do with the money, Viv famously declared, “I’m going to spend, spend, spend!” a promise she kept with gusto. The musical charts her lavish spree furs, cars, champagne, and parties alongside a tumultuous personal life marked by abusive relationships and five marriages. Narrated by an older Viv reflecting on her younger self, the story unfolds as a bittersweet rollercoaster, questioning whether money can truly buy happiness as her fortune dwindles and her life unravels.

Memorable Performances and Staging

The West End production showcased standout performances, with Barbara Dickson’s soulful gravitas as the older Viv and Rachel Leskovac’s fiery energy as the younger Viv earning acclaim. The supporting cast, including Steven Houghton as husband Keith, brought depth to the chaotic ensemble. Jeremy Sams’ direction and Craig Revel Horwood’s choreography infused the show with a carnivalesque energy, highlighted by numbers like the rousing “John Collier” and the poignant “Who’s Gonna Love Me?” The staging, with its bold visuals, mirrored the excesses of Viv’s life, making every scene a spectacle.

Musical Score and Emotional Resonance

Steve Brown’s score, paired with Justin Greene’s sharp lyrics, drives the musical’s emotional arc. Songs like “John Collier” evoke the gritty mining community of Viv’s roots, while “Who’s Gonna Love Me?” delivers a haunting reflection on her losses. The upbeat, brassy tunes of her spending sprees contrast with quieter, introspective moments, creating a dynamic soundtrack that balances comedy and tragedy. Though not packed with chart-topping hits, the music amplifies the story’s emotional stakes, resonating with audiences long after the curtain falls.

Legacy and Revivals in London Theatre

Spend Spend Spend enjoyed a solid West End run and spawned a BBC Two documentary, Trouble at the Top, which chronicled its journey to the stage. After closing in 2000, it embarked on a UK tour with much of the original cast. The musical has since seen revivals, including a 2009 production at the Watermill Theatre and a 2024 staging at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, where Rachel Leskovac reprised her role. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable exploration of wealth’s allure and pitfalls, cementing its place as a quirky yet poignant footnote in West End history.

Why Spend Spend Spend Endures

The musical’s staying power stems from its universal themes dreams of escape, the thrill of excess, and the search for meaning beyond materialism. Viv Nicholson’s unapologetic zest and flawed humanity make her a compelling figure, brought to life through the show’s bold storytelling and infectious energy. While it may not rival the longevity of Les Misérables or The Phantom of the Opera, Spend Spend Spend offers a distinctly British take on the musical form, blending Northern grit with theatrical sparkle that continues to captivate audiences.