 THE GOOD COMPANIONS
a musical in 2 acts based on the novel by J.B. Priestley. Book by Ronald
Harwood.
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer, Music by André Previn
Her Majesty's Theatre, London - 7 November, 1974 (252 perfs)
Story
Yorkshireman Jess Oakroyd, a joiner and
carpenter, gets the sack during the Depression and after a family quarrel
hits the road. He meets young Elizabeth Trant, motoring in search of adventure,
and together they deliver a crate of clothes she promised barmaid Effie
to get to Elsie, her actress sister. Elsie's troupe, the Dinky Doos, have
meanwhile picked up a young runaway schoolteacher Inigo Jollifant, a fabulous
pianist and songwriter who is smitten with Dinky's singer Susie Dean.
Unfortunately the troupe are on their last financial legs but the infusion
of new talent plus Oakroyd as handyman convinces Miss Trant to back the
outfit which she renames The Good Companions.
They go from success to success, but Inigo's efforts
to sell Susie to a big London agency are thwarted when a gang of toughs
employed by a rival break up the act and knock out the agent. Luckily,
rich Lady Partlett falls for Good Companion Jerry - they wed, and Lady
P's influences secure a promise of fame and fortune for all in London. Oakroyd hears his wife is ill, returns North and after
making up their quarrel, she dies. Left alone, he gets a letter from Miss
Trant enclosing a hundred pounds followed by a telegram from daughter
Lily in Canada there is a home for him there, and plenty of work.
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