Gertrude Lawrence

A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening

“A wonderful show, utterly brilliant. Fabulous singing – ‘lovely’ is actually a massive understatement.” Nigel Foster, Director London Song Festival.

The latest collaboration between ‘Superbly gifted’ actor and singer, Lucy Stevens and pianist Elizabeth Marcus. Directed by award winning cabaret artist Sarah-Louise Young.

Gertrude Lawrence, the 1930’s star of musical comedy tells her story. Lucy Stevens has cleverly crafted a new vibrant script using Gertrude Lawrence’s own words taken from her memoirs. With songs and storytelling, Lucy embodies the spirit of Gertie, leading the audience from her childhood in Clapham, to London’s swanky night clubs and the bright lights of Broadway.

“We were mesmerised by Gertie and her story. The era and nods to history, music and her wit with, a lift of an eyebrow – and the use of the stole! Blooming marvellous!” Phoenix Arts Club, London.
Funny, revealing and bursting with songs from Variety & Revue’s to hits by Noel Coward, Kurt Weill and Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Gertrude Lawrence was one of Britain’s brightest theatrical stars during the first half of the 20th century. A charismatic stage presence who excelled in sophisticated musical comedy. This show with music tells her story: funny, revealing and full of songs from London’s variety theatre and hits written for Gertie by Noel Coward, Gershwin, Kurt Weill and Rodgers & Hammerstein. She tells of her childhood in Clapham: “… following the organ-grinder down the street, dancing and holding out my skirts … ”. Gertie was soon performing in London’s nightclubs and revues, Noel Coward wrote Private Lives for her, and she went on to become the leading lady of her time in the West End and Broadway. “I love the theatre life, it’s variety, dangerous and thrilling. People talk about ‘settling down’ as though this were something every nice girl should wish to do. Well, perhaps I’m not a nice girl!”

For a preview go to https://youtu.be/Ucx0SjeI3r4