Bless the Bride opened at London”s Adelphi Theatre in April 1947 and became one of Britain”s biggest post war musicals, running a staggering 886 performances. 1947 was the year the engagement of Princess Elizabeth to Lt. Philip Mountbatten was and as a result the country was in a wedding frenzy which no doubt contributed to the show”s success.

With an enchanting score by Vivian Ellis and lyrics by A. P. Herbert, the romantic leads were played by French actor Georges Guétary and our own ”Champagne Soprano” Lizbeth Webb. Brian Reece, Anona Winn and Betty Paul offered strong support.

Only four of the songs were recorded commercially but the cast were invited to record an hour”s potted version of the show for radio broadcast, and it is these rare transcriptions that have been restored for this CD issue. Bonus tracks include a recording by the composer Vivian Ellis at the piano of selections from the show along with three of the four commercially recorded songs – ”Table for two”, ”I was never kissed before” and ”This is my lovely day” plus Georges Guétary singing ”Ma Belle Marguerite” recorded in French for the French market.

Additional Details

Label: Sepia Records

Genre: Musical/Broadway

Release Date: 03/10/09

UPC: 5055122111245