An allegorical story based on Edmond Rostand’s The Romancers, The Fantasticks tells the story of two neighbouring families. In an attempt to force their children to fall in love, the two fathers, knowing that children always want what is forbidden to them, put up a wall between their houses. The cunning plan works, but when the children discover the ruse, they split and leave to experience the wonders of the world, only then realising their true feelings.

Featuring a score by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, The Fantasticks includes songs such as Much more, I Can See It and Try To Remember.

In addition to The Romancers, The Fantasticks draws inspiration from Romeo And Juliet, Pyramus And Thisbe, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and L’Elisir D’Amore.

The Fantasticks first opened in New York in 1960, where it played for 42 years before closing in 2002, making it the longest running musical in history. It has played in over 2,000 cities and towns in the US, and in 67 countries across the globe.

For more about The Fantasticks at the Duchess theatre, read the First Night Feature or The Big Interview with David Burt.

Looking to see some musical theatre? Find out more about London musicals.