In a new regular feature, Andy Howells delves into the archives to recall theatre productions from years gone by…
Turned Out Nice Again – The George Formby Story
Georgian Theatre, Richmond, North Yorkshire
April 15, 1992
The magic of early 20th century Lancashire singer, songwriter and musician George Formby returned to theatres in early 1992 as Turned out Nice Again-The George Formby Story toured theatre venues across the UK.
Co-written by Alan Randall and Vince Powell, the musical play, first presented at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on March 12, 1992 starred Randall as George Formby and featured Joan Savage, Bobby King and Dorothy Wayne with music direction by David Windle and stage direction by Duggie Chapman.
The main setting of the play was placed in the Formby living room at Lytham St Anne’s in late 1960, focusing on the relationship between George and his wife, Beryl, who had overseen most of the star’s career in music, theatre and films.
Pages from the souvenir programme of Turned Out Nice Again – The George Formby Story
Alan Randall had been performing on television and stage as George Formby since the 1960s, so was ideal in the role not only to adopt George’s persona but also take to the stage performing songs such as When I’m Cleaning Windows and Leaning On A Lamppost on the Ukulele. The play involved several moments of flashbacks including George Formby performing at an ENSA in May 1940 as well as taking to the stage of Blackpool’s Jubilee Theatre in September 1960.
George and Beryl’s relationship was a strong focus of the play with Beryl’s booming “Come on George!” frequently keeping Randall’s Formby in check right up to the play’s final moments.
Undoubtedly, Turned Out Nice Again was a huge nostalgia kick for those who remembered George Formby, while whetting the appetite for younger fans who weren’t alive when George Formby was at his peak in the 30s and 40s.
It would be a few decades before a musical based on Formby’s life and career would return to the stage, this time with Ewan Wardrop’s one-man show, Formby.
Turned Out Nice Again – The George Formby Story Tour dates
March 1992
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12 -13, Grand Theatre, Blackpool
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17, Empire, Sunderland
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19, Pier Wigan
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20, Playhouse, Harlow
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22, Floral Hall, Southport
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25, Civic, Barnsley
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26, Lyric, Dinnington
April 1992
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1, Civic Bedworth
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2, Exchange Maidstone
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3, Playhouse Weston Super Mare
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4, Pavilion Worthing
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6-11, Princess, Torquay
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12, Apollo, Oxford
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15, Georgian Theatre, Richmond
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17, Embassy, Skegness
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18, Kings Southsea
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20 – 22, Opera House Manchester
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23, Empire Wisbech
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25, Prince of Wales, Cannock
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27, Pomegranate, Chesterfield
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28, Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool
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29, Royal, Leamington Spa
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30, Theatre, Chipping Norton
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31, Mechanics, Burnley
MAY 1992
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6-10, Futurist, Scarborough
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11, Ashcroft Croydon
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12, Charter, Preston
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13, Civic, Stratford upon Avon
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14, Civic, Doncaster
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25-30, Civic, Rotherham
JUNE 1992
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1-6, Pavilion, Bournemouth
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If you have any memories, photos or ephemera from Turned Out Nice Again – The George Formby Story on stage during 1992, please email us at entertainmentsouthwales@gmail.com and we will feature them!
George Formby – Further Reading::