Phil the Fluter
Phil the Fluter was one of French‘s most popular songs and it‘s popularity continued well into the twentieth century, featuring on at least two postcards from the early to middle of the century and showing a revival again in the 1960‘s and 70‘s.
Sheet Music for Phil the Fluters Ball by Keith Prowse & Co.
A postcard by L. Anthony (artist) and Lawrence of Dublin showing "Miss Aileen MacCarthy and her private ass and cart" from Phil the Fluter's Ball and Valentine's "Irish Humour" card for Phil the Fluter's Ball (no date, probably early twentieth century).
In 1967 the play THE GOLDEN YEARS, based on the life story of Percy French premiered in Dublin. It was an adaptation of a radio play by Donal Giltinan and Beverley Cross. The music was by Percy French, with additional music by David Heneker.
The show transferred to London's Palace Theatre in 1969 with a new title - PHIL THE FLUTER. It opened on 13th November 1969 and ran for 125 performances.
The following songs were performed in the production:
- If I Had a Chance.
- Abdul Abulbul Ameer.
- Mama.
- A Favour for a Friend.
- They Don't Make Them Like That Anymore.
- Good Money.
- How Would He Like Me.
- Phil the Fluter.
- The Mountains of Mourne.
- I Shouldn't Have to Be the One to Tell You.
- Follow Me.
- Where Is She?
- And You Like It.
- Are You Right There, Michael?
- That's Why the Poor Man's Dead.
- Wonderful Woman.
The local studies archive holds a large collection of material from "Phil the Fluter" at the Palace Theatre including a programme for the show and free Extended Play record of the music, first-night pack, including a ticket and ticket holder, a car window sticker, a picture book and newspaper cuttings about the event.
The collection also has a handbill for the show (below) - front and back, a commercial record production of the show by Fontana and a letter from the Producer to those who pre-booked.
