The Roar of the Greasepaint 1964

The Roar of the Greasepaint

UK 1964 & shubert theatre, Broadway 1965

A rousing music-hall allegory with a book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. It explores British class structure through the antics of two comic figures: Sir, who has everything, and Cocky, who has nothing. The two clowns fiercely compete in a “Game of Life,” in which Sir holds every advantage. Cocky struggles to overcome the obstacles Sir lays in his path, and soon grows as judgmental and bellicose as Sir himself. In time, Cocky and Sir reconcile and develop a mutual, if cautious, understanding.

Notable for so many wonderful songs including ‘Who Can I Turn To’ and ‘Feeling Good’, this musical was directed by Tony Newley who also played the lead character of Cocky on Broadway, replacing Norman Wisdom who had played the part in the UK production.

Gillian staged and choregraphed both in the UK and on Broadway, and remained lifelong friends with Leslie and his wife Evie, and Tony and his then wife Joan Collins.

Tony Newley, Cyril Ritchard and David Merrick