Zip Goes a Million

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Zip Goes a Million: A West End Musical Extravaganza

"Zip Goes a Million" is a musical comedy that zipped into London’s West End at the Palace Theatre on October 20, 1951, running for 544 performances until February 7, 1953. With a book and lyrics by Eric Maschwitz and music by George Posford, it adapts George Barr McCutcheon’s 1902 novel *Brewster’s Millions*, spinning a tale of Percy Piggott, a Lancashire window cleaner who must spend a million dollars fast to inherit a fortune all while keeping his scheme secret. Starring George Formby in his musical theatre debut, this lively production blended slapstick humor with catchy tunes, overcoming early hurdles to become a postwar hit, buoyed by its star’s charm and a spirited cast.

Origins and Development

The musical was born from Maschwitz’s vision to craft a stage vehicle for Formby, a variety star known for cheeky songs like “When I’m Cleaning Windows.” Teaming with Posford his collaborator on *Balalaika* and *Goodnight Vienna* Maschwitz adapted *Brewster’s Millions*, a story previously tackled in a 1906 play and a shelved 1919 Jerome Kern musical. Producer Emile Littler joined the effort, steering it through tryouts at Coventry’s Hippodrome on September 4, 1951, where a union dispute over Barbara Perry’s Equity fees nearly derailed the debut. After Maschwitz paid the fine, it moved to Manchester’s Palace Theatre from September 17 to October 16, trimming numbers for a sharper West End launch.

The Cast and Creative Team

George Formby led as Percy, his naive charm electrifying the role, with Barbara Perry as Lilac Delaney, the star of Percy’s flop-hopeful show *The Garter Girl*. Sara Gregory played Sally Whittle, Percy’s sweet girlfriend, while Warde Donovan shone as Buddy Delaney. Reg Dixon later took over Percy after Formby’s mid-run heart attack in April 1952, carrying it to the finish. Directed by Charles Hickman, with Pauline Grant’s choreography and Debroy Somers’ orchestrations, the production dazzled with lavish sets and costumes. Maschwitz’s witty lyrics and Posford’s buoyant score including “Saving Up for Sally” kept the energy high, despite Formby’s banjo song “Pleasure Cruise” being a late add-on.

West End Reception and Triumph

Critics hailed "Zip Goes a Million" as “a first-rate musical,” with *Theatre World* calling it a worthy rival to American imports like *South Pacific*, which ran concurrently. Audiences adored Formby’s antics betting on horses, crashing stocks, and wrecking a yacht on a South Seas island laughing through its 16-month stint. The show weathered Formby’s exit, with Dixon’s everyman appeal and a hit single, “Ordinary People,” sustaining its buzz. An abridged 1953 cast recording captured its spirit, cementing its status as a crowd-pleaser in a postwar West End craving levity.

Beyond London and Later Life

After closing, "Zip" spawned UK tours in 1953 with Dixon and Pamela Charles, followed by Charlie Chester in 1954. Australia’s Tivoli Theatre Circuit staged it in Sydney (April 17, 1954) and Melbourne (October 30, 1954), boasting the costliest costumes ever seen Down Under, with Roy Barbour as Percy. A 2001 Theatre Museum revival in London, starring Gavin Lee, revisited its glory, while a 1952 TV special and BBC radio broadcast preserved its flair. Though it never matched *Annie Get Your Gun*’s longevity, its 544-show run and global jaunts proved its pluck.

Legacy and Lasting Charm

"Zip Goes a Million" shines as a snapshot of 1950s British musical theatre unpretentious, tuneful, and Formby-fueled. Its success bridged variety and legit stages, showcasing Maschwitz and Posford’s knack for crowd-pleasing fare. While it didn’t spark major revivals beyond 2001, its cast recordings and overseas tours keep it alive for fans. A lighter take on *Brewster’s Millions* than later adaptations like the 1985 Richard Pryor film, it’s a West End gem that zipped through its era, leaving smiles and a legacy of joyous excess in its wake.