The history of musicals from early ballad operas to today’s West End blockbusters can be explored through the V&A’s Theatre and Performance Collections.
The First Musicals
From 'The Beggar’s Opera', of 1728 to ‘Chu Chin Chow’ of 1916, this article explores the roots and early development of musical theatre in Britain.
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Modern American Musicals
The first American musical, The Black Crook, opened in 1866 at Niblo’s Garden on Broadway. It was an extravaganza with lots of scene changes and big musical numbers includi…
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British Musicals
In contrast to the slick, sophisticated American musicals of the 1930s, Britain evolved the ‘nostalgia’ musical such as Noël Coward's 'Bitter Sweet' (1929). The 1960s broug…
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Interviews with Cast Members of Wicked
Watch videos of cast members of the hit musical Wicked. Dianne Pilkington and Jeremy Legat talk about costume changes and Alexia Khadime explains the make-up process she un…
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Ivor Novello
Ivor Novello (1893 – 1951) shot to fame overnight with his 1914 song ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’. Like his contemporary Noël Coward, Novello was a multi-talented matinee …
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Fred and Adele Astaire
Fred Astaire (1899–1987) was one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century. He and his sister Adele (1896–1981) were child stars in American Vaudeville before moving into…
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Gertrude Lawrence
Gertrude Lawrence (1898–1952) hit the big time in Charlot’s revue, in the 1920s before going on to perform in works written for her by Noël Coward. Rodgers and Hammerstein …
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Jack Buchanan
Walter John 'Jack' Buchanan (1891–1957) was the major British musical stage and screen star of his day. He appeared in a series of musical comedies many of which were later…
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Jessie Matthews
Jessie Matthews (1907–1981) was Britain’s favourite 1930's musical film star. She made her name in theatre before starring in a number of successful musicals such as Rodger…
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A gift in your will
You may not have thought of including a gift to a museum in your will, but the V&A is a charity and legacies form an important source of funding for our work. It is not just the great collectors and the wealthy who leave legacies to the V&A. Legacies of all sizes, large and small, make a real difference to what we can do and your support can help ensure that future generations enjoy the V&A as much as you have.
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David Starkey's Music and Monarchy (Hardcover)
For the kings and queens of England, a trumpet fanfare or crash of cymbals could be as vital a weapon as a cannon. Showcasing a monarch's power, prest…
Buy nowEvent - Mini Musicians
Sat 25 May 2013–Sun 02 June 2013
FAMILY EVENT: Use your body and musical instruments to explore rhythm & music making.
