Cranks

Revue written and devised by John Cranko. Music by John Addison.

• New Watergate Theatre, London: December 19, 1955

• Transferred to St Martin’s Theatre, London: March 1st, 1956

• Transferred to the Duchess Theatre: May 28, 1956

Total of 223 performances

This landmark revue was first performed just before Christmas 1955 and upon receiving glowing reviews it quickly moved into the West End to the St. Martin's Theatre. Written and devised by John Cranko, a respected choreographer of the Sadler's Wells Ballet Company and John Addison who composed the score, Cranko's new wave revue had a style and approach of its own, and this followed the choice of musical accompaniment - a harpsichord, doubled with a piano, and a harp.

The cast were a deliberate mix. One black male and a white female joined two white men: Anthony Newley, with a score or so non-singing films under his belt, and ballet dancer Gilbert Vernon. The remaining two other performers were the American Hugh Bryant making his first appearance in Britain and Annie Ross, the jazz singer: both were replacements for the West End transfer but featured in the cast recording.

Cranks transferred to the Duchess Theatre in May and finally went to the Lyric, Hammersmith where it stayed until mid September eventually totaling a respectable 223 performances in London. Two months later it opened, cast intact, on Broadway at the Bijou Theatre.

Cast: Hugh Bryant, Anthony Newley, Annie Ross and Gilbert Vernon

The Guide to Musical Theatre