The Good Companions
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The Good Companions: A West End Journey
"The Good Companions" opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End on July 11, 1974, following a tryout in Manchester, delivering a heartfelt musical comedy that ran for 252 performances. Adapted from J.B. Priestley’s 1929 novel, the show featured a book by Ronald Harwood, music by André Previn, and lyrics by Johnny Mercer in his final project. Directed by Braham Murray, it brought to life the adventures of a struggling concert party, blending humor, music, and a touch of nostalgia. After plans for a later West End revival faltered, its American premiere came in 2000 via San Francisco’s 42nd Street Moon, reviving interest in this charming tale.
A Story of Troupe and Triumph
The plot follows the Dinky-Doos, a touring troupe stranded when their manager absconds with their earnings. Enter Jess Oakroyd, a Yorkshireman fleeing a stifling marriage, who joins as a handyman; Elizabeth Trant, a spinster who funds their revival with her inheritance; and Inigo Jollifant, a songwriter replacing their lost pianist. Renamed The Good Companions, the troupe finds success at Sandybay Pavilion during a storm, catching a producer’s eye. Susie Dean and Jerry Jerningham land a London revue, Miss Trant weds her solicitor, Inigo strikes it rich with his songs, and Jess sails to Canada, wrapping up a tale of camaraderie and second chances.
A Cast of Theatrical Titans
The original cast boasted John Mills as the affable Jess Oakroyd and Judi Dench as the resolute Elizabeth Trant, their performances grounding the show’s warmth. Christopher Gable brought flair as Inigo Jollifant, while Marti Webb shone as the ambitious Susie Dean. Malcolm Rennie’s Morton Mitcham added quirky charm, joined by a spirited ensemble including Ray C. Davis. Their collective talent turned Priestley’s characters into a vibrant stage family, earning praise for their chemistry and depth, with Dench and Mills especially lauded for their emotional resonance.
Melodies of Mercer and Previn
André Previn’s music, paired with Johnny Mercer’s lyrics, delivered a score brimming with variety from the jaunty “A Little Travelling Music” to the tender “Susie for Everybody.” Standouts like “The Pleasure of Your Company” and “Slippin’ Around the Corner” captured the troupe’s spirit, while “Ta, Luv” gave Jess a poignant farewell. The songs, though not chart-toppers, complemented the narrative’s ups and downs, offering a mix of cheer and introspection. The orchestra’s lively backing enhanced the show’s theatrical flair, making it a fitting swansong for Mercer.
A Stage and Screen Legacy
Rooted in Priestley’s novel previously adapted into a 1931 play and films in 1933 and 1957 "The Good Companions" found fresh life as a musical. Its 1974 West End run followed a rich history, with the story’s appeal enduring through a 1980 Yorkshire TV series and multiple radio versions, including a 2002 BBC Radio 4 broadcast. The musical’s Broadway aspirations never materialized, but its San Francisco revival and a 2009 Bristol Old Vic staging kept it alive, reflecting its lasting pull as a tale of resilience and reinvention.
An Edwardian Echo in the ‘70s
Opening in an era of shifting theatrical tastes, "The Good Companions" bridged Edwardian nostalgia with 1970s sensibilities. Her Majesty’s Theatre, a West End stalwart, hosted this celebration of music hall traditions just as modern musicals were gaining ground. Its focus on community and hope resonated amid economic gloom, offering a throwback to simpler times. While it didn’t redefine the genre, its solid run and stellar cast marked it as a cherished chapter in the West End’s storied legacy, blending old-world charm with a fresh musical voice.