In 1960 the show opened at the Plymouth Theatre on Broadway where it ran for a year and half (524 performances). Ran for five and half years at Lyric Theatre (1512 performances). In the screen adaptation starring Cliff Richard, Expresso Bongo percolates with an intoxicating brew of coffee shops, delicatessens, penny arcades, and strip joints. Music: Monty Norman & David Heneker Director: William Chappell Lyrics: Julian More, David Heneker, Monty Norman Book: Wolf Mankowitz & Julian More Renamed 'Bongo' Herbert and fitted out with a loud, rhythmic song called 'Expresso Party', the boy quickly becomes a fashionable success. Agent Johnnie discovers Herbert Rudge playing bongo drums in a coffee bar in Soho and signs him to a management contract. (Considered by most as the first 'rock and roll musical). Ran 1 year at the Saville Theatre in London's West End. Winner of the Evening Standard Award for 'Best Musical'.ĭirector: Joan Littlewood Music/Lyrics: Monty Norman/David Heneker Book: Wolf Mankowitz

Transferred to the Albery Theatre (New Theatre) in the West End and ran for one year. Opened at the Theatre Workshop, Stratford East. Topped or shared 'top of the bill' with Benny Hill, Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Harry Worth, Tommy Cooper, Jimmy James, Tony Hancock, Jimmy Edwards and Max Miller.Ĭomposer, lyricist, writer. Resident singer in That Old Black Magic series. Many guest appearances and broadcasts with: Harry Parry, Nat Temple, Edmundo Ros, Nat Allan, and many more.ĭozens of TV appearances and broadcasts in Variety shows, resident singer in weekly Hit Parade series. Ted Heath Orchestra - London Palladium Sunday Concerts. Later he was also delighted and honoured to receive a special Ivor Novello Award for composing the James Bond Theme. In 1989 he was honoured to receive from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA) the highly coveted Gold Badge of Merit, for Services to British Music. With a string of hit stage shows, recordings, TV and film scores to his name, Monty worked with some of the top names in the business and received numerous awards and industry accolades. Monty's Work Monty Norman's creative output during his long professional career as a singer, composer, lyricist and writer was prolific.

Expresso Bongo by Wolf Mankowitz