By LUKE VOOGT
A century after opening in London’s West End, Chu Chin Chow will return to the original home of its Geelong-born writer, Oscar Asche.
The play is an Arabian Nights adventure from the rich imagination of Asche, who was born in Mack’s Hotel, on Geelong’s waterfront, in 1871.
The comic opera opened in London in 1916, running for five years with 2238 performances – a 40-year record that turned Asche into one of the biggest personalities in the UK.
His show played in the USA and Australia, with more than three million people watching the play after its opening night.
Stage company Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria will retell the hit show at Geelong Peforming Arts Centre next month, basing its production on a new book by playwright Melvyn Morrow.
Morrow, the award-winning Australian playwright of Dusty and Shout! The Johnny O’Keefe Story, said the original play was spectacular, even by London standards.
“It was known as the play which won the war,” he said.
“It had spectacular scenery and lots of girls wearing not much at all – every serviceman coming back from the front wanted to see it.”
Morrow’s retelling has Oscar Asche, having conquered London, returning to bring Chu Chin Chow to Melbourne.
But first, he must convince Australia’s foremost theatrical agency, J C Williamson Management, that his production will be the show of the season.
Morrow said Geelong had forgotten Asche despite his standing as one of the greatest writers and actors in the world during his prime.
His play, Morrow said, would help restore Oscar’s story to life as well as retelling Chu Chin Chow.
“You get this fascinating story of a Geelong boy who made millions, lost millions and was one of the great producers on London’s West End.”
Director Robert Ray (of Opera Australia), musical director John Ferguson (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra), and costume designer Ros Thompson (Babirra Music Theatre), will help bring the forgotten favourite back for a new audience.
Promoters described Chu Chin Chow as a magic carpet ride of perilous quests, forbidden lovers, treacherous assassins and slapstick, with some of the best theatre songs ever written.
The show plays Geelong Performing Arts Centre on 23 and 24 July.
