26 Years Since Whistle Down The Wind’s Debut In The West End
On this day in 1998, Whistle Down The Wind the musical premiered in the UK. Join us to take a trip down memory lane, listen to the original stage cast – and to hear about an exciting new actor-musician amateur production of the show coming up!
The Story Of Whistle Down The Wind
Whistle Down The Wind, based on the 1961 film of the same name and novel by Mary Hayley Bell, took the original story and reset it in Louisiana in 1959. Andrew, Patricia Knop and Gale Edwards co-wrote the book, with music by Andrew and lyrics by acclaimed rock n roll songwriter Jim Steinman.
Whistle tells the story of America’s Deep South in the late ‘50s, fusing epic storytelling with epic characters. The story revolves around Swallow, who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother, and discovers a mysterious stranger whom she believes is Jesus. A moving and poignant tale, Whistle shows where fantasy and reality collide, as Swallow begins to discover who she is and where she is going.
Productions & Concept Album
Following the show’s run in Washington D.C. in 1996, Whistle was reworked and brought to the Aldwych Theatre on 1st July 1998. The production starred Marcus Lovett as The Man and Lottie Mayor as Swallow. The show also toured the UK a number of times between 2001 and 2004, before it moved to the Palace Theatre in London in March 2006, followed by a US tour in 2007 and a second UK tour in 2010.
The concept album was also released ahead of the West End premiere, and featured 12 of the songs from the show, including hits such as “No Matter What”, “Whistle Down The Wind” and “When Children Rule The World”. The track “No Matter What” was later released by mega boy band Boyzone in 1998, receiving more than 71 million streams on Spotify alone. The track also became Boyzone’s longest running number one single in the UK Singles Chart, staying at the top for three weeks.
A New Production At The Watermill
If you want to see Whistle live and in the flesh, from Friday 22nd July to Saturday 10th September this year, an incredible actor musician production will be playing at the Watermill Theatre in Berkshire, UK. Featuring a cast of talented local young people and the emotive score that we all know and love, this is a production not to be missed.
Get your tickets here:
Listen To Whistle Down The Wind
Experience Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive score featuring the original stage cast, including hauntingly beautiful love songs and explosive rock anthems that will be impossible to get out of your head.
