From ancient Greece honouring Dionysus to groundbreaking works like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classics, musical theatre continues to shine with contemporary productions such as Mamma Mia, Wicked and Mrs. Doubtfire.
The origins of musical theatre can be traced back to ancient Greece. Greek theatre was performed at religious festivals honouring Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. These theatrical performances, often held in outdoor amphitheatres, featured choral odes, accompanied by musical instruments such as the lyre and aulos (a double-reed instrument). Music, dialogue, and movement in ancient Greek theatre laid the groundwork for modern musical theatre to this day.
During the Shakespearean era, theatre underwent significant development in England, reflecting the cultural and artistic trends of the time. Shakespeare himself incorporated songs and music into many of his plays, using them to enhance the atmosphere, convey emotion, and advance the narrative. These musical interludes often featured live musicians performing on instruments like lutes, recorders, and viols. The integration of music into storytelling would become a hallmark of musical theatre in later centuries.
Ballads and comic operas, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, emerged as popular alternatives to traditional operatic and theatrical productions. Blending spoken dialogue with musical numbers, it created engaging narratives infused with humour and charm.
Ballad operas, like John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera, featured a combination of pre-existing tunes set to new lyrics, often satirising contemporary society and politics while incorporating elements of comedy and drama. Comic operas, exemplified by the works of composers like Gilbert and Sullivan, further developed the genre with original scores, witty dialogue, and colourful characters.
The series of Gilbert & Sullivan productions had great success in the 1920s at the Shaftesbury Theatre, with a drawing in large audiences. Performances of The Gondoliers, Trial by Jury, The Yeomen of the Guard and many others were repeated, often twice a year during this period.
The Golden Age, spanning from 1940 to 1959, marked a period of unparalleled creativity and innovation producing some of the most beloved and enduring works in the genre. Broadway saw an explosion of iconic musicals, including Rodgers and Hammerstein’s groundbreaking works like Oklahoma!, Carousel, and The King and I. Composers like Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story) and Frank Loesser (Guys and Dolls) pushed the boundaries of musical theatre with complex scores and socially relevant themes.
At the Shaftesbury, fuelled by British interest in American culture through film and television, Hollywood stars like Marjorie Reynolds and Jane Russell headlined successful shows like Burlesque – A Play With Music in 1948, with the trend continuing into the 1950s under Jack Hylton’s ownership with hits such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Kismet, and Pal Joey transferring from Broadway to the West End stage.
In contemporary musical theatre, the Shaftesbury Theatre productions stand as shining examples of the vibrancy and diversity of the genre. Recent years have seen the Shaftesbury host acclaimed shows such as Motown: The Musical, Hairspray, Memphis, and & Juliet. With its commitment to presenting diverse and dynamic works that captivate audiences, the Shaftesbury Theatre continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of musical theatre.
Currently showing at the Shaftesbury, is the hit comedy musical Mrs. Doubtfire, available to book until 2025. Described by WhatsOnStage as a musical which “sends you out with a big grin on your face and a warmth in your heart!” and “a complete joy!” by The Telegraph.
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