BWW Reviews: WORZEL GUMMIDGE - Original London Cast Recording

Worzel Gummidge was a very successful television series in the late 1970's based on Barbara Euphan Todd's children's novel. Following this, a stage adaptation was created - featuring original TV cast members Jon Pertwee, Una Stubbs and Geoffrey Bayldon - at Birmingham Repertory Theatre over the Christmas period in 1980 and was a resounding hit. It then went on to play at the Cambridge Theatre in London's West End the following festive season, extending until February 1982. This cast recording was made at Abbey Road Studios shortly before their London opening and Stage Door Records are responsible for making it possible to listen to on CD today.

The musical version of Worzel Gummidge is written by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall and composed by Denis King. The show features well-loved characters including Aunt Sally and The Crowman and is everything the TV show is, plus another dimension. The writing is witty and nostalgic and the orchestrations just sublime. It is a joyful recording which a lot of love has clearly gone in to.

There is the correct balance between ensemble numbers and principal ones. The songs performed by the Villagers are the glue for the entire musical. A great mixture of ballads and upbeat numbers; Worzel is comedic and therefore makes the audience laugh but you also sympathise with his character which shines through the music. Worzel also has trouble pronouncing certain words and this inconsistency is highlighted throughout.

Included on the CD as well is the Worzel Gummidge Christmas Maxi Single which is a nice addition. It is the kind of show that is family friendly and would do very well for current audiences. Although Worzel Gummidge is not so well known amongst a younger generation nowadays, the story and characters are very likeable and I believe, timeless.

The Original 1981 London Cast Recording of Worzel Gummidge is available from www.stagedoorrecords.com and other stockists from 10 November 2014.