HUTCH to Make World Premiere at Riverside Studios, May 14

"Lady Mountbatten sues over claims of an affair with black singer" ran British newspaper headlines in July 1932. But the truth was even more scandalous...

Hutch, a story of illicit love, racism and betrayal at the highest levels of British society, will get its world premiere at Riverside Studios from Tuesday 14 May and Saturday 8 June. Press night is Friday 17 May at 7.45pm

The unforgettable music and lyrics of Cole Porter feature heavily in Ruby in the Dust's new play about Leslie 'Hutch' Hutchinson, London's most popular cabaret attraction of the 20s and 30s.

"I was lucky to be in Paris at the time Cole Porter was starting to write his big hits... He taught me how to sing his songs and introduced me to the right people." - Hutch

The 'right people' (aka his numerous lovers) included Hollywood stars, debutantes, princesses and duchesses; most famously Edwina, wife of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Queen's cousin. But the love triangle of Hutch, Porter and Mountbatten ultimately destroyed him, emotionally, physically and musically.

Hutch was born in Grenada in 1900, moving to New York in his teens, then Paris and London in 1927 where the jazz age was in full swing. He was soon the darling of society and the population in general. Hutch was a favourite singer of the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) and he had an audience of millions as a performer on BBC radio. As well as being the lover of Cole Porter, Hutch recorded several of his songs, including Begin the Beguine and Porter's famous list song Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love), to which Hutch made up 70 new verses. Hutch suffered from ill-health in his later years and died in London from pneumonia on 19 August 1969. Only 42 people attended his funeral.

Cast to be announced.

HUTCH, a play with music featuring the songs of Cole Porter, features book by Joe Evans. Directed by Linnie Reedman the production is produced by Ruby in the Dust at STUDIO 3, Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, LONDON W6 9RL. Box Office: 020 8237 1111 or online at www.riversidestudios.co.uk.

The show runs Tuesday 14 May - Saturday 8 June. Press Night: Friday 17 May at 7.45pm. Tuesday - Saturday at 7.45pm. Matinees: Thursday & Saturday at 2.45pm. Tickets: £17.50 (£15.00 concs). Reduced Price Previews: Tuesday 14 - Thursday 16 May - all seats £15.00. Running time: 2 hours including one interval. Age suitability: 8+.

More Articles by This Author...