HUTCH to get world premiere at London's Riverside Studios in May
HUTCH
A story of illicit love, racism and betrayal
at the highest levels of British society
“Lady Mountbatten sues over claims of an affair with black singer” ran British newspaper headlines in July 1932. But the truth was even more scandalous...
Hutch, a story of illicit love, racism and betrayal at the highest levels of British society, will get its world premiere at Riverside Studios from Tuesday 14 May and Saturday 8 June.
Press night is Friday 17 May at 7.45pm
The unforgettable music and lyrics of Cole Porter feature heavily in Ruby in the Dust’s new play about Leslie ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson, London’s most popular cabaret attraction of the 20s and 30s.
“I was lucky to be in Paris at the time Cole Porter was starting to write his big hits... He taught me how to sing his songs and introduced me to the right people.” - Hutch
The ‘right people’ (aka his numerous lovers) included Hollywood stars, debutantes, princesses and duchesses; most famously Edwina, wife of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Queen’s cousin. But the love triangle of Hutch, Porter and Mountbatten ultimately destroyed him, emotionally, physically and musically.
Hutch was born in Grenada in 1900, moving to New York in his teens, then Paris and London in 1927 where the jazz age was in full swing. He was soon the darling of society and the population in general. Hutch was a favourite singer of the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) and he had an audience of millions as a performer on BBC radio. As well as being the lover of Cole Porter, Hutch recorded several of his songs, including Begin the Beguine and Porter's famous list song Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love), to which Hutch made up 70 new verses. Hutch suffered from ill-health in his later years and died in London from pneumonia on 19 August 1969. Only 42 people attended his funeral.
Cast to be announced
Listings information
HUTCH
a play with music featuring the songs of Cole Porter
Book by Joe Evans
Directed by Linnie Reedman
Produced by Ruby in the Dust
STUDIO 3
Riverside Studios
Crisp Road,
Hammersmith,
LONDON
W6 9RL
Box Office: 020 8237 1111
Tuesday 14 May - Saturday 8 June
Press Night: Friday 17 May at 7.45pm
Tuesday - Saturday at 7.45pm
Matinees: Thursday & Saturday at 2.45pm
Tickets: £17.50 (£15.00 concs)
Reduced Price Previews
Tuesday 14 - Thursday 16 May
all seats £15.00
Running time:
2 hours including one interval.
Age suitability: 8+.
Reviews for Ruby in the Dust's 2012 sell-out success, The Great Gatsby Musical at the King’s Head Theatre
“Composer Joe Evans's music and lyrics evoke the decadent rush of the jazz era and its seedy underbelly. A well-executed, at times affecting and stylish production.”
Time Out – Show of the Week
“It revels delectably in the period glitz and, with actors doubling up as musicians, deftly harnesses the yearning beat of jazz that echoes so perfectly the strains of heartbreak and disenchantment.”
Metro
“With delicate performance, oozing class ... this musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's novel grips throughout.”
The Telegraph
“The Great Gatsby Musical has both style and heart.”
Evening Standard
“Joe Evans’ score manages to capture both the hedonism and the deep despair of the age.”
The Stage
“A must-see musical gem.”
Remotegoat
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