Expresso Bongo

Recently Updated

"Expresso Bongo" is a British musical that premiered in 1958. It was written by Julian More, Wolf Mankowitz, and David Heneker, with music by Heneker and Monty Norman.

The musical is set in the world of the early British rock and roll scene, following the rise and fall of a young singer named Johnny Jackson, who becomes a sensation after a sleazy agent named Bert Rudge discovers him singing in a coffee bar. Rudge helps Johnny achieve success, but as the fame and money start to pour in, Johnny begins to lose touch with his roots and the people who helped him get started. Along the way, he becomes entangled with a manipulative American record executive named Herbie, who wants to exploit Johnny for his own gain.

"Expresso Bongo" is a satire that pokes fun at the music industry and the commercialization of rock and roll. It features catchy songs that capture the sound of early rock and roll, as well as sharp wit and social commentary. Despite its relatively short run in the West End, the musical has become a cult classic and has been revived several times over the years.