Parfumerie
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Investigating "Parfumerie" on the West End
"Parfumerie" is not a widely recognized West End musical in the traditional sense, as no major production under this exact title has graced London’s Theatreland with a significant run. However, the name evokes the 1936 Hungarian play Illatszertár by Miklós László, which translates to "Parfumerie" in English. This romantic comedy inspired multiple adaptations, including the beloved musical She Loves Me, which did make its mark on the West End. For this exploration, we’ll focus on the concept of a hypothetical West End staging of Parfumerie as a musical, drawing from its legacy and the success of its derivatives.
A Scented Love Story
Set in a bustling Budapest perfume shop during the 1937 Christmas season, Parfumerie follows George Horvath and Amalia Balash, two bickering employees unaware they’ve been exchanging anonymous love letters. Their prickly workplace dynamic masks a budding romance, revealed only when George discovers Amalia is his secret pen pal. Meanwhile, shop owner Mr. Hammerschmidt grapples with marital woes, adding depth to this tale of mistaken identities and heartfelt reconciliation. The festive backdrop and quirky supporting staff like the meddling errand boy Arpad infuse the story with charm and holiday warmth.
Roots and Musical Potential
Miklós László’s original play birthed a lineage of adaptations: the 1940 film The Shop Around the Corner, the 1949 musical film In the Good Old Summertime, and the 1998 rom-com You’ve Got Mail. Most relevant to musical theatre is She Loves Me, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joe Masteroff. Debuting on Broadway in 1963, it reached the West End in 1964 at the Lyric Theatre and saw a celebrated 1994 revival at the Savoy Theatre. A West End Parfumerie could lean on this blueprint, amplifying László’s text with an original score to spotlight its workplace tensions and tender revelations.
Imagining a West End Run
Picture "Parfumerie" opening at a venue like the Donmar Warehouse, known for intimate, innovative stagings. A 200-seat house could frame the shop’s counters and shelves, drawing audiences into 1930s Budapest with period costumes and a minimalist set. A hypothetical premiere in, say, December 2025 capitalizing on its Christmas setting might feature a cast led by rising stars, delivering the banter and longing with finesse. While She Loves Me ran for 189 performances in 1964, a modern Parfumerie could aim for a limited festive season, blending nostalgia with fresh appeal.
A Fragrant Score
Envision a score rich with Hungarian folk influences think lilting violins and zesty rhythms married to classic musical theatre flair. Songs might include “Dear Friend,” echoing the pen pals’ letters, or “Scent of Christmas,” a bustling ensemble piece for the shop’s holiday rush. A torch song for Amalia, “Behind the Counter,” could reveal her dreams, while George’s “Ink and Heart” might wrestle with his dual identity. Such numbers would echo She Loves Me hits like “Vanilla Ice Cream” but carve a distinct olfactory-inspired path.
Echoes of a Legacy
Though Parfumerie itself hasn’t headlined the West End, its spirit thrives in She Loves Me, which won a 1995 Olivier for Best Musical Revival. A standalone Parfumerie musical could build on this, offering a fresh take for fans of romantic comedies and theatre history buffs. Its absence from London’s major stages leaves room for speculation perhaps its narrative, rich yet slight, suits smaller venues or one-off concert stagings over a full commercial run.
Why "Parfumerie" Could Enchant
A West End Parfumerie would charm with its blend of workplace wit, holiday glow, and a love story that unfolds like a gift unwrapped. Its intimate scale and period setting could counterbalance Theatreland’s flashier blockbusters, appealing to those who savor character-driven tales over spectacle. If staged, it might prove that even a lesser-known title can spritz the West End with something timeless and sweet.