Digitally remastered from the master tapes, this original cast recording is finally released 40 years after it was recorded in February of 1975. Jack the Ripper was first adapted for the musical stage in 1974 and featured a score by leading actor Ron Pember and book and lyrics by Pember with Denis de Marne. The musical reconstruction of the incidents relating to the historic East End murders of 1888 was told through the company of a Whitechapel Music Hall, a device that cleverly presented an atmospheric commentary on the murders as opposed to a historic re-enactment. The production was first staged at London's Players' Theatre, opening on June 25th 1974. Theatre impresario Larry Parnes subsequently transferred the production to London's Ambassador's Theatre in September 1974 followed by the Cambridge Theatre in February 1975, earning a nomination for 'Best Musical' at the 1974 Evening Standard Theatre Awards. In 1979 Broadway producer Elliot Martin debuted Jack the Ripper in the United States at Providence's Trinity Theatre. Today the production remains a popular choice amongst Amateur groups worldwide. In February 1975 an original London cast album of the show was produced but would remain unreleased until now. 40 years after the show was last performed in the West End, Stage Door is pleased to release the original London cast album.
G**M
Wow! A Lost Treasure Found
A real musical, just like they used to write 'em. happy, bouncy, clever and fun. The English Music Hall flavor is the absolute right touch. What a treasure to have what all musical fans thought was a 'lost' score recorded and released in a professional package. No one who loves musicals should be without this CD..
K**E
Not quite ripping . . .
It can't be called a musical within a musical, but it is a music hall troup that is telling the story of "Jack the Ripper." Many of the songs are enjoyable and they do tell the story of Jack. I would like to see a production of this musical, but am content to add it to my collection. It was fun for me . . .
P**M
Quirky musical for the dedicated musical theatre fan!
A musical that is a show within a show vs. a lateral retelling of Jack the Ripper (knowing this helps the music make more sense...it's very tongue in cheek). If you're a diehard theatre geek (I am) then you'll appreciate the recording. A little weird and quirky but a fun listen.
J**H
Five Stars
great cast recording
M**E
A lost gem
Some really cracking songs - slightly biased as I am playing one of the gang members in our Whitstable production. But the songs, particularly the "torch songs" sung by Marie are second to none. I agree that the screenplay probably let it down, as Jack is a series of vignettes rather than a story with characters you can warm to. But certainly if you have seen this musical play, or are going to perform in it, this CD is gold dust.
J**K
Five Stars
Really good to have a CD of this great show. Great sound quality too.
M**S
Not 'high' music or very difficult but great fun.
I played in band for a local production of this show. Not 'high' music or very difficult but great fun.
S**R
Some good tunes.
A very enjoyable recording . The only negative is that we had to wait so long for its release.Some good tunes .
T**A
GreT recording
I'm in the chorus of this musical - so continually on in the car
Trustpilot
1 month ago
5 days ago
