The Good Companions

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"The Good Companions" is a musical based on the 1929 novel by J.B. Priestley. The story follows a group of traveling performers who come together to form a new variety show. The lead character, Jess Oakroyd, is a working-class man who has always dreamed of joining the world of show business. He meets a group of performers who are in search of a new member and they invite him to join them on their travels. Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles but also experience the joys of performing and the camaraderie of being part of a tight-knit group.

The musical features a range of characters, including the strict and domineering stage manager Mr. Dearth, the flamboyant and charismatic performer Inigo Jollifant, and the young and innocent Susie Dean. As the group travels across the country, they encounter a range of characters, from wealthy patrons to struggling performers, and they must navigate the challenges of making a living in the world of show business.

The music and lyrics for "The Good Companions" were written by André Previn and Johnny Mercer, and the musical premiered in London's West End in 1974. The show has been praised for its lively and entertaining score, as well as its heartwarming portrayal of the bond that develops between the members of the traveling show.