Company

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Company: A Sondheim Classic on the West End

"Company," with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth, stands as a landmark musical in West End history. First arriving in London on January 18, 1972, at Her Majesty’s Theatre, it ran for 344 performances, introducing audiences to a sophisticated, unconventional take on relationships and urban life. Revived in 2018 at the Gielgud Theatre with a gender-flipped twist directed by Marianne Elliott the production reimagined its protagonist as Bobbie, a woman navigating her 35th birthday, cementing its relevance. Known for its sharp wit and intricate score, "Company" has oscillated between critical acclaim and audience adoration, reflecting Sondheim’s genius in dissecting human connection.

Origins and Evolution

"Company" began as a series of one-act plays by George Furth, inspired by real-life tales of married couples, before Sondheim transformed it into a musical. Debuting on Broadway in 1970 with Dean Jones as Bobby and Elaine Stritch as Joanne, it won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its West End premiere two years later starred Larry Kert and Stritch reprising her iconic role, bringing Sondheim’s concept musical a narrative driven by themes rather than a linear plot to London. The 2018 revival flipped Bobby to Bobbie (Rosalie Craig), with Patti LuPone as Joanne, modernizing its exploration of commitment and solitude, earning four Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival.

The West End Journey

The original 1972 London production opened amid Sondheim’s rising fame, following "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Staged by Harold Prince, it featured a sleek set by Boris Aronson a metallic tower symbolizing New York’s isolation and ran until late 1972. The 2018 revival, opening October 17 at the Gielgud, extended to March 30, 2019, after 183 performances. Elliott’s direction introduced a female Bobbie, joined by Jonathan Bailey as Jamie and Richard Fleeshman as Andy, reframing the story for a contemporary lens. Both runs showcased "Company" as a West End fixture, adapting to shifting cultural tides while retaining its core brilliance.

Musical and Theatrical Brilliance

Sondheim’s score dazzles with numbers like "The Ladies Who Lunch," a biting Joanne showcase, and "Being Alive," Bobby/Bobbie’s raw emotional climax. "Side by Side by Side" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" blend humor with complexity, while the orchestrations originally by Jonathan Tunick support the show’s jazzy, urbane vibe. The 2018 revival’s neon-drenched design by Bunny Christie and choreography by Liam Steel amplified its modernity, contrasting the 1972 minimalist aesthetic. Whether through Stritch’s acerbic delivery or LuPone’s commanding presence, "Company" thrives on performances that match its lyrical and musical depth.

Revivals and Global Influence

Beyond its West End runs, "Company" has seen numerous iterations. A 1995 London revival at the Donmar Warehouse, directed by Sam Mendes, starred Adrian Lester as Bobby, later transferring to the Albery Theatre. The 2018 gender-swapped version spurred a 2021 Broadway revival, also helmed by Elliott, though delayed by the pandemic. Concert stagings like the 2011 New York Philharmonic version with Neil Patrick Harris highlight its versatility. The musical’s influence stretches to regional productions worldwide, its score a staple for theater artists, with cast recordings from 1970, 1995, and 2018 preserving its evolution.

Legacy and Cultural Resonance

"Company" redefined the musical form, prioritizing character and theme over plot, a Sondheim hallmark. Its initial West End outing introduced London to his cerebral style, while the 2018 revival proved its adaptability, tackling gender and societal shifts with aplomb. Winning Tonys, Oliviers, and a lasting spot in theater canon, it speaks to the perennial question of companionship versus independence. As of March 2025, its impact endures Bobbie’s journey, whether male or female, mirrors our own, making "Company" a West End treasure that continues to provoke, entertain, and resonate.