The Nautch Girl

A Musical Play

Book by George Dance

Lyrics by George Dance and Frank Desprez

The Nautch Girl; or, The Rajah of Chutneypore debuted at the Savoy Theatre in London. Written by George Dance and Frank Desprez, with music by Edward Solomon, it follows the satirical style of British comic operas popularized by Gilbert and Sullivan, whose works had also graced the Savoy Theatre. Although The Nautch Girl didn’t achieve the enduring fame of the Savoy’s earlier productions, it enjoyed a respectable run and showcased the theatre’s dedication to light-hearted, whimsical entertainment.

The term "nautch" refers to a traditional form of dance from India, performed by skilled female dancers. The show, set in a fictional Indian princely state called Chutneypore, presents a humorous story revolving around the exploits of a nautch girl, Chinna Loofa, and her romantic entanglements. The plot playfully combines exoticism and satire, focusing on the attempts of the central characters to navigate love, ambition, and social expectations. 

The musical ran for 200 performances and, although it wasn’t as critically acclaimed or as widely revived as some other productions of its era, it has a place in the history of British musical theatre. The production reflects a fascinating moment in theatre history, where the British fascination with “the Orient” was stylized and romanticized on stage. As with many productions of its time, The Nautch Girl combines musical innovation with light-hearted narrative, making it an interesting piece to study in the context of 19th-century theatrical trends and British society’s cultural perceptions.

 ISBN 

$10.95

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