John Taylor (composer)

Life and Career

John Taylor (born Ernest John Wilson Taylor 16 December, 1933) in Hertfordshire, England, on December 16th, 1933. Educated at Woodlands Private Primary School, Crowthorne, and Stoneygate Public School, Leicester before moving to Perth, Western Australia to board at Guildford Grammar School from 1942 to 1946. He continued his studies at the University of Western Australia from 1952 to 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts (Major in English Drama/Literature and French). He became drawn to writing music and lyrics for the University Revue in 1952 and acted in the student cast of Christopher Fry's 'The Lady's Not for Burning' in the national student Drama Festival, in Sydney, 1953. In 1954 he was the solo pianist at His Majesty's Theatre, Perth for a season of variety presenting Donald Peers and Michael Bentine. Taylor travelled to Europe and England where he studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama - conducting and stage direction. He joined the BBC Television as a full time pianist from November 1957. After working for the International Chappell Organisation of Publishers he became a freelance composer and arranger. He created dance arrangements and original ballet music for 'Goody Two Shoes', Alhambra Theatre, Glasgow. In 1960 he worked as a pianist for the musical, 'Joie de Vivre' at the Queen's Theatre, London (and on tour) starring Donald Sinden. Adapted by Terence Rattigan from his comedy 'French Without Tears', with music by Robert Stolz, lyrics by Paul Dehn. Direction by William Chappell and choreography by Ross Taylor. Further arrangements for 'Snip 'n' Snap', a revue at the Carre Theatre, Amsterdam and original music and lyrics for George Formby's summer revue, Queen's Theatre, Blackpool. By 1963 Taylor would see his greatest West End success with David Heneker on the collaboration of Charlie Girl. Starring Joe Brown and Dame Anna Neagle, Adelphi Theatre, London. The musical, conceived by Ross Taylor was directed by Wallace Douglas, written by Hugh and Margaret Williams, scripted by Ray Cooney and designed by Today Kingman. Taylor continued to write songs for comedy, full length musicals and revues throughout the 1960s and 70s. In 1979 Taylor worked for Richard Rogers and William Hammerstein and Ross Taylor for the London revival of 'The King and I' starring Yul Brynner and Virginia McKenna and further revivals of 'The Sound of Music' at the Apollo Victoria in 1981 starring Petula Clark. In 1982 Taylor retired to Southern California (Palm Springs) but continued composing music and writing lyrics and libretti. In October 2017, Taylor returned to Perth, Western Australia.

Credits

• Music Hall (1964) - composer, lyricist, Prince Charles Theatre, London
• Charlie Girl (1965) - composer, lyricist with David Heneker, Adelphi Theatre, London
• Doddy's Here (1965) - composer, lyricist for Ken Dodd
• Mr. & Mrs (1968)- Book, lyrics and music, Palace Theatre, London
• London Song (1969) - Book, lyrics and music (unproduced)
• The Water Babies (1973) - Book, lyrics and music. Adapted from Charles Kingsley's book. Royalty Theatre, London
• The Royalty Follies (1974) - composer, lyricist, Royalty Theatre, London
• Alice, my Boy (1975) - Book, lyrics and music (unproduced)
• Rosa (1977) - Book, lyrics and music (unproduced)
• All Dressed Up (1980) - Lyrics and music (unproduced) Book by Stephen Wyatt based on the life of Vesta Tilley.

Sources

http://www.guidetomusicaltheatre.com/shows_c/charlie_girl.htm http://castalbums.org/shows/Charlie-Girl/72/ https://www.broadwayworld.com/shows/backstage.php?showid=6100#content https://theatricalia.com/play/4mc/charlie-girl/production/rxz

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