IVOR NOVELLO, Composer, Film Idol, King of Drury Lane

A tribute to a great British star of films and stage. He couldn't sing yet his huge popularity was evident when he appeared in his famous musicals. His final one, King's Rhapsody (1949) proved more than a match for Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma and was still running until his death only hours after appearing on stage on 6th March 1951. His shows are now considered old fashioned but unlike today his, and others' of that time, always contained several, rather than just one memorable songs. In 1935 the Theatre Royal Drury Lane was going through difficult times but it survived thanks to Ivor's spectacular show of "Glamorous Night". Perhaps one day that theatre or the one in his name and where he lived until his death will please many and his music will live on. (Music from Crest of a Wave, Careless Rapture, The Dancing Years, King's Rhapsody)