Gertrude Lawrence was one of Britain's brightest theatrical stars during the first half of the 20th century.  A charismatic stage presence who excelled in sophisticated musical comedy.

This play with music tells her story; funny, revealing and full of music. With songs from Music Hall and Variety, to Kurt Weil and Noel Coward.

She tells of her childhood in Clapham:

“… following the organ-grinder down the street, dancing and holding out my skirts … a push from Mother, ‘Go on now Gertie, sing your song’ was all the urging I needed.”

Lucy Stevens as Gertie by Laura Doddington

 

Gertie was soon performing in London’s nightclubs and revues, Noel Coward wrote Private Lives for her, and she went on to become the leading lady of the West End and on Broadway.  “I love the theatre life, it’s variety, dangerous and thrilling. People talk about ‘settling down’ as though this were something every nice girl should wish to do. Well, perhaps I’m not a nice girl!”

 

 

Gertrude Lawrence: A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening is the latest collaboration between “Superbly gifted” actor and singer, Lucy Stevens & pianist Elizabeth Marcus. 

Following their previous acclaimed plays:

Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel  www.killingtheangel.com

“Utterly brilliant performance – the whole audience was spellbound throughout.”  London Song Festival.

Ethel Smyth: Grasp the Nettle  www.ethelsmyth.com

“Superb acting and vocal performances ... Funny, touching and uplifting - A must see!”  Light Music Society.

Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!  www.kathleenferrierwhattalife.com

“… superbly gifted, Lucy Stevens, with a voice of this calibre, it would be easy for a singer to indulge, but Whattalife! is a seamless balance of speech and music.” Localsecrets.com.