And This Is My Friend Sandy: Sandy Wilson's The Boy Friend, London Theatre and Gay Culture

This book explores the life and work of Sandy Wilson, the gay writer who created the hit musical The Boy Friend in 1953. It situates his production of the play in the context of post-war London and reads it as an exercise in contemporary camp. The book argues that Wilson was a significant and transitional figure for musical theatre and for modes of homosexuality in the pre-Wolfenden 1950s. It also examines his later works and unfinished musical versions of Pygmalion and Goodbye to Berlin, providing a comprehensive perspective on one of British theatre's most celebrated yet overlooked talents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book explores the production of Sandy Wilson's iconic musical The Boy Friend and the Players Theatre in the context of post-war London. It delves into The Boy Friend and Wilson's subsequent works as examples of contemporary camp, highlighting their significance in the realm of musical theatre and the representation of homosexuality in the pre-Wolfenden 1950s.

Sandy Wilson's The Boy Friend stands as one of the most celebrated British musicals in history. Originally produced at the Players Theatre Club in London in 1953, it went on to enjoy successful runs in the West End and Broadway, catapulting Julie Andrews to stardom and introducing Twiggy to a prominent role in Ken Russell's 1971 film adaptation. Despite its immense success, Wilson, a gay writer working in Britain during the 1950s, remains relatively unknown.

To shed light on Wilson's contributions, this book draws upon original research assembled from the extensive Wilson archives located at the Harry Ransom Center. It offers a comprehensive critical study of Wilson as a pivotal figure in 1950s British theatre. The book begins by examining the background of the Players Theatre Club, a significant venue for experimental and avant-garde performances, which played a crucial role in shaping Wilson's artistic development. It then delves into Wilson's relationships with industry figures such as Binkie Beaumont, Noël Coward, and Ivor Novello, shedding light on their influence on his work.

The study expands its scope to encompass later works by Wilson, including Divorce Me, Darling!, The Buccaneer, and Valmouth. It also examines uncompleted musical versions of Pygmalion and Goodbye to Berlin, providing a comprehensive perspective on one of British theatre's most celebrated yet overlooked talents.

Through its meticulous analysis, this book offers a fresh and original understanding of Sandy Wilson's artistic journey and his profound impact on the world of musical theatre. It sheds light on the challenges faced by gay artists during a time when homosexuality was illegal and challenges the prevailing narratives surrounding their contributions to the arts.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable addition to the literature on musical theatre and LGBTQ+ history. It provides a comprehensive exploration of Sandy Wilson's life and work, placing him in the context of post-war London and his contributions to the development of musical theatre and the representation of homosexuality. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable artist and his lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350335059