Dancing With a Ghost

Abstract

This chapter evaluates British musicals in the 1930s and 1940s. This period, the chapter argues, was characterized by a lack of ambition. One problem was the paucity of Jewish writers in the UK. This ethnic group is notable for imaginative expertise in musical theatre and this is one of many reasons why the American brand is so protean. The most disappointing element could be argued to be passéiste choreography. In the meantime, the American musical was letting dance evolve most originally than in the UK. It is worth noting that Charles B. Cochran hired American choreographers for his most aspiring shows of the early 1930s, Ever Green (1930) and Nymph Errant (1933). Ever Green is a spectacular book musical that introduced Britain to the recent German invention of the revolving stage. The comedy musical then became less popular. However, Me and My Girl (1937) was an outstanding comedy musical. Me and My Girl was the work of composer Noel Gay, with L. Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber involved. Though as producer-director Lupino Lane could be called the show's auteur.