Ivor Novello (born David Ivor Davies) was a Welsh composer, singer and actor who became one of the most popular British entertainers of the early 20th century. He first became well known through the song Keep the Home Fires Burning which he composed during World War I. After the war, he began a film career, and also appeared on stage in the West End, in musical shows of his own devising, most notably The Dancing Years. Novello starred in two early Hitchcock films before heading to Hollywood and appeared in some successful films. He died in 1951, at a fairly young age of 58. Novello wrote his musical shows in the style of operetta, and was one of the last major composers in this form. He generally composed his music to the librettos of Christopher Hassall. The Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting, are awarded each year by the record industry to songwriters and arrangers as well as the performing artistes. **ABRSM selected pieces (Singing from 2009): We'll gather lilacs: from Perchance to Dream (Novello) Waltz of my heart: from The Dancing Years (Novello & Hassall) **Trinity College London selected piece (Singing 2010-2012): We'll gather lilacs: from Perchance to Dream (Novello)

Cecil Clarke's adaptation for television has been used as the basis for the current revised version. While retaining all the well-known musical numbers, it allows a more fluid production, no longer dependent on major scene changes, and, by omitting scenes incidental to the main plot, has concentrated on the central love story between penniless, unknown composer, Rudi Kleber, who leaps to fame in Vienna of 1911, and the operetta star who first befriends him, Maria Ziegler.Large flexible cast

The King of Murania is dead! Long live the King! But the heir is Nikki, twenty years in exile, and living with actress Marta Karillos, disliked and distrusted by the people. To ensure a suitable succession, Elena, the Queen Mother, acidly witty and a schemer of genius, persuades Nikki to accept the crown, marry Cristiane - the snow princess from Norseland - and beget an heir as soon as is decently possible. Nikki agrees, provided his beloved Marta can be installed, in considerable grandeur, not too far from the royal abode.Large flexible cast

Period 1818 (Regency), 1843 (Early Victorian), 1940s. Vocal score on hire. Perusal material available.13 women, 10 men