Derby Day (light opera) should not be confused with Derby Day (1952 film).
| Derby Day | |
| Type: | Light opera |
| Composer: | Alfred Reynolds |
| Librettist: | A. P. Herbert |
| Language: | English |
| Premiere Location: | Lyric Theatre, London |
Derby Day is a 1932 three-act light opera, with music composed by Alfred Reynolds to a libretto by A. P. Herbert. Herbert wrote his text between March and May 1931, whilst on a trip to Australia, during the first run of his successful Tantivy Towers.[1]
One contemporary review described the work as "mainly a Cockney opera", and praised the work as "topical in the best sense" and said of the music:[1]
I do not know if Mr. Reynolds is himself a Cockney, but I do know that his Cockney music, particularly in the coster scenes, is the best that has ever been written.[1]
In particular, the song for the tipster, "'Oo wants a winner for the big race tomorrer?", has been singled out for particular praise as a musical expression of the Cockney.[2]
The first performance took place at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith on 24 February 1932.[3] The director was Nigel Playfair, and the production was designed by George Sheringham.[4] Alfred Reynolds was the conductor.[5] The original cast list was as follows:[4]
The story is set in the present day (the early 1930s), and centres on a day at The Derby, the major horse-racing event of the year. In Act III, Mr Bitter proposes to Mrs Bones.
The BBC broadcast an abridged radio version of the work in 1932[6] and 1934.[7] It was also broadcast twice in 1937, on Derby Day itself and two days later on the day the Oaks was run.[5]
Derby Day was shown in a 40-minute broadcast on BBC television in July 1937, with a cast including George Baker as Mr. Bitter and Frederick Ranalow (who had appeared in the Playfair/Austin production of The Beggar's Opera) as Waters.[5] It was broadcast again in June 1938 with Muriel George and Esmond Knight, and Baker and Ranalow swapping roles.