For around forty years, there were three distinctively glamorous British and American superstars of song, stage and screen, adored by the public and critics worldwide.
Noel Coward, (1899-1973 - dramatist, actor, writer, composer & lyricist, renowned for his high society English manner, flamboyant style and sharp wit. Ivor Novello, (1893-1951) - British singer, stage and film actor; 250 songs including the patriotic ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning.’ Cole Porter, (1891-1964) - an American music graduate from Harvard, he studied composition in Paris, opened a nightclub in Venice, and wrote numerous smash-hit Broadway musicals.
Aged just 25, Daniel Anderson has already had an impressive stage career, starting as an Elvis Presley impersonator as a child and then training professionally in musical theatre.
Dressed immaculately in a black tuxedo and polished patent shoes, Anderson presents an illuminating musical tribute to these three ‘Boys,’ with biographical snapshots, stories and anecdotes. Pouring a Martini from a cocktail shaker, he immediately portrays Coward’s cool, debonair manner with perfect vocal intonation.
Choreographed with dazzling dance steps and jazz hands, ‘I went to a marvellous party,’ the hilarious lyrics are played out with frenetic movement (almost swinging from the chandelier!). ‘Mrs Worthington’ is also theatrically performed as Noel becomes more exasperated, finally demanding that this pushy mother will certainly not put her unattractive daughter on the stage.
‘Two of the most beautiful things in the world, Ivor’s profile and my mind.’ Noel Coward
Novello was described as “the most handsome man in England” and a very popular matinee idol. Having experienced war service, his sentimental ballad, ‘We’ll Gather Lilacs’ evokes the dream of peace and freedom, ‘When you come home once more.’
Fascinating to learn that Novello once had four simultaneous musicals on at the West End, the Lloyd Webber of the Golden Age.
Professional peers and amiable rivals in music and theatre, they also shared a decadent social life with (discreet) gay abandon. The title of the show is taken from Coward’s poignant song ‘Mad about the Boy’, revealing a secret infatuation which is conveyed by Daniel with quiet sensitivity, ‘I met him at a party a couple of years ago, I know it's stupid to be mad about the boy, I'm so ashamed of it, the sleepless nights I've had about the boy, he melts my foolish heart’.
Likewise, Cole Porter was a master of combining words and melody - ‘I’ve Got You under my Skin’ is a timeless jazz classic of the American songbook. While Sinatra’s ultimate interpretation is said to be flawless, Anderson captures the amorous lyrics, musical phrasing, tone and tempo. On keyboard is the eminent, elegant pianist, Paul Ferreira, who, with a broad smile, expresses such delight as he plays every foot tapping note of the music.
More than a colourful, camp cabaret of witty ditties, this is a theatrical portrait of the bittersweet private lives and loves of the Boys, with deliciously romantic songs performed with sophisticated style, polished panache and heartfelt passion. As well as a smooth, multi-layered voice, Daniel Anderson's imaginative talent for mime and mannerism, proves that he has a Coward-style Talent to Amuse.
Showtimes:
11 – 16 August @ 11.45
Tickets: £15 (£12)
Age guidance: 14+