Love Story

"What can you say about a twenty-five year old girl who died?  That she was beautiful and brilliant.  That she loved Mozart and Bach.  The Beatles.  And Me."


I am so delighted that Love Story is going to be transferring from Chichester to the West End, I really loved this innovative, poignant, English musical.  I dashed down to see it in Chichester just before the run ended, and to see my old friend Peter Polycarpou - who was playing Phil, Jenny's father.  His performance was heart-breakingly realistic and I was swept away by that mellifluous Polycarpou singing voice as always.  An enduring image from that evening was in the bar afterwards, when Michael Ball (who had been in the audience) clasped Peter to him in a massive brotherly bear hug.  They had both made their names in Les Miserable and have had a long history in musical theatre since then.   I have now discovered that this had been a very auspicious night for Michael Ball, because he has decided to make Love Story his debut show as a West End producer.

Love Story, the musical, is inspired by Erich Segal's iconic novel and one of the all time most romantic films of the 70's, directed by Arthur Hiller, starring Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neal.  The musical is composed by Howard Goodall, with book and lyrics by Stephen Clark and additional lyrics by Howard Goodall.  It ran at the Minerva in Chichester from 29th May to 26th June 2010 and was directed by Birmingham Rep.'s artistic director Rachel Kavanaugh.

The libretto has been beautifully written by Stephen Clark and is not in the least bit sentimental, although I defy you not to shed a tear.  Look out for the brilliant Pasta Song - my favourite in the show!

It opens at the Duchess Theatre on 27th November.  If you click on the link on the title of this blog it will take you through to the website to buy tickets.