I’m always pleased to receive new releases from Stage Door Records. For me, they represent the best there is for re-releases of cast recordings that have previously only been available on LP, or in some cases, not at all. There are several other companies that offer similar releases, but I don’t think that anyone can match the audio quality and packaging of Stage Door. Their latest release is the Ordinal and Croft 1960’s musical Ann Veronica.

H.G. Wells’ classic 1909 novel Ann Veronica was conceived for the musical stage by writer David Croft who with composer Cyril Ornadel began working on their adaptation in 1964. With music by Ornadel and lyrics by Croft, Ann Veronica was first presented at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry in February 1969 followed by a week long run at Brighton’s Theatre Royal prior to opening at London’s Cambridge Theatre on 17 April 1969.

The story of Ann Veronica details the rebellion of 22 year old Ann Veronica Stanley against her stern middle class father and her effort to make a mark on the world as a New Woman. Leaving home for a new life in London, Ann embarks on a journey of discovery becoming immersed in a world of intellectuals, socialists, and suffragettes.

The London production of Ann Veronica starred Mary Millar in the title role alongside popular British performers Hy Hazell, Arthur Lowe, Peter Reeves, Charles West, Ian Lavender and John Inman. Reaction from the London critics was decidedly mixed and the production subsequently closed after 44 performances.

In March 1969, prior to the West End transfer, the Ann Veronica cast album was recorded at London’s CTS Studios in Belgravia, and this release from Stage Door is a digital remaster from the original master tapes, which explains why the audio quality is, well, perfect.

It’s probably not a score you will know, or even a title you will recognise, but the cast you will - by name and voice. It’s a class recording of a quirky musical. The sound is typical British '60s musical, with some great, solid orchestrations that really work well for the piece. There were several tracks I loved, not least the title track. Millar does an excellent job of 'If I Should Lose You' (about as close as we get to an 11 o’clock number here), but it really is an ensemble success. There are no weak links anywhere, and it’s great to hear the famous and very recognisable voices of Lavender, Lowe and Inman (all with other David Croft comedy connections of course) sounding wonderful.

A nostalgic treat!

8

Ian Gude