I'm always interested in hearing new shows, but what gets me even more intrigued is hearing older shows for the first time. Especially those from the period when I first got interested in Musical Theatre - the early '80s. So I was really pleased when Stage Door announced that they had secured the master tapes to the original concept recording of Swan Esther - and were planning its CD debut.

Swan Esther is a musical retelling of the biblical story of Esther, the Jewish queen of the Persian King Ahaseuerus. The musical was the brainchild of legendary theatre producer David Land in a bid to replicate the earlier success he had achieved with Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Featuring a score by Nick Munns and J. Edward Oliver, the musical was recorded as a concept album in February 1983 featuring Stephanie Lawrence as Esther, Denis Quilley as Haman and Clive Carter as the minstrel Mordecai.

Swan Esther opened for a limited run at London's Young Vic Theatre in December 1983 starring Amanda Redman in the title role. After undergoing many revisions, the show embarked on a successful UK tour in 1985 produced by Bill Kenwright. Now titled Swan Esther And The King, the new production starred Jackie Marks, Chris Corcoran and Warwick Evans and featured additional songs composed with Shirlie Roden and John Miller.

The release of this CD by Stage Door follows on from two previous '80s first-timers - Privates on Parade and Andy Capp - and you will no doubt remember how complimentary I was on the quality of these releases, both in terms of sound, packaging and extras. This recording is no exception - Stage Door have really set a standard for digital re-issues, one that the major labels should take note from. This sounds like it was recorded yesterday, and looks like it's a major release of a new cast recording. The CD features the complete 1983 concept album coupled with studio rehearsal demos of the additional songs composed for the touring production Swan Esther And The King. As a special bonus, the album features an unreleased recording by Stephanie Lawrence from the unstaged musical adaptation of How Green Was My Valley.

My first listen (I'd not heard this before, despite been aware of its existence as an LP), was that it came over as a poor-man's Joseph. It's clearly written in that style, but is more fitting with the school cantata version, than the current Joseph we know and love. I didn't find the mix of numbers as eclectic in style as some of the other concept albums of this type, but it was an enjoyable listen. The casting is top rate, especially the much-missed Stephanie Lawrence, Indeed, her bonus track from How Green Was My Valley is probably my favourite of the whole CD. Take note Stage Door - does more exist of this recording?

It's great to see the progression of the piece too, from the original concept album, to rehearsal demos for the subsequent production. And they are worth listening too as well, despite just being demos - I loved 'One Love' especially, both in it's solo and duet form. Put that number with the very funny Generation Game number, and it points towards a great score in the making.

Back to the main concept album, I must say that no numbers really jumped out at me, despite several listens. Lawrence's voice fits so well with 'My Love Is Like a Dream', and I found my self humming 'Bow Down' when I wasn't expecting it, but the rest of it is just an enjoyable, if slightly same-y pop score. It's one I will probably come back to though, as it was worthy of further listens.

I can't wait to hear more of what Stage Door has to offer from the LP days of old.

8

Ian Gude