| The Better 'Ole | |
|---|---|
| or The Romance of Old Bill | |
 Arthur Bourchier as Old Bill | |
| Music | Herman Darewski[1] |
| Lyrics | Percival Knight James Heard[1] |
| Book | Bruce Bairnsfather Arthur Elliot |
| Basis | Old Bill |
| Productions | 1917 London 1917 UK tour 1918 Broadway International productions |
The Better 'Ole, also called The Romance of Old Bill, is an Edwardian musical comedy with a book by Bruce Bairnsfather and Arthur Elliot, music by Herman Darewski, and lyrics by Percival Knight and James Heard, based on the cartoon character Old Bill, an infantryman, drawn by Bairnsfather. In the musical, Old Bill intercepts a spy's plan to destroy a bridge, trapping a French regiment after they cross it. Bill saves them by blowing up the bridge before they pass; his actions are misunderstood, however, and he is arrested for disobeying orders and holding an enemy document. After Victoire explains the situation, Bill is released and given a medal.
The original London production in 1917 was a hit, running for over 800 performances, starring Arthur Bourchier as Old Bill. The piece also had success on tour and on Broadway the following year and spawned two film adaptations and a sequel.
- ^ a b Martin Bordman, Gerard. "American musical theatre: a chronicle", pg. 383, Oxford University Press US, 2001, accessed 12 September 2010.