With their production of The Bridges Of Madison County currently getting critical acclaim, and one of its previous shows (Fiddler On The Roof) transferring to the Playhouse Theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory is showcasing some incredible theatre. And if the latest announcement is anything to go by, they’re certainly not going to stop anytime soon.
A major revival of Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend will run at the Menier Chocolate Factory over Christmas. The Boyfriend is an all-singing all-dancing love letter to 1920s musical comedies, and this will be the first major London revival of the show in over 10 years.
Set in Madame Dubonnet’s finishing school in the south of France, the young ladies who study there tend to burst into song at the least provocation, and forbidden boy friends are forever popping through the French windows to sing and dance with them. Since its premiere in 1953, this light-hearted soufflé of a show has delighted audiences worldwide and has become one of the most well-loved British musicals of all time.
The Boy Friend initially opened in London in 1953, before a West End run in 1954, and ran for more than 5 years. The subsequent Broadway run in 1954 made a star of the then-unknown Julie Andrews. Ken Russell adapted it into a 1971 film with Twiggy who won two Golden Globes for her performance.
This production will be directed by Matthew White. Matthew has previously directed shows including She Loves Me, Sweet Charity, Little Shop of Horrors and The Last Five Years for the company.
The Boyfriend opens on 3 December, with previews from 22 November, and runs until 7 March 2020. Booking opens for supporters of the Menier today, and public booking opens on 9 September at 9am.