Saying the name Anthony Newley to most people these days will guarantee you a certain number of replies of ‘Who?’
I’m still amazed how certain people, at one time very well known, then fall between the cracks and are quickly forgotten. Newley is certainly one of them. However, as always, there are a dedicated collective of people who refuse to let the flame go out completely and work tirelessly in keeping a name in the frame.
Recently I attended the 6th Newley Night run by the devoted Susan Selfe and that master of ceremonies actor Steve Furst. The night is made up of various singers performing various songs that Newley penned over his career. However, it is the love in the room for the man that you notice most.
Newley was born 24th September 1931 in Hackney, East London. He studied at the Italia Conti Stage School, and worked there, as an office boy, to help pay the fees and it wasn’t long before he was getting noticed for film roles.
His first part of note was as the Artful Dodger in David Lean’s ‘Oliver Twist’ in 1948 and then after his National Service, he appeared in ‘Idol On Parade’, which brought him to national attention as an actor and then singer
His ‘pop’ career was launched off the back of the film with the song ‘I’ve Waited So Long’ which became a number 3 hit in the charts. ‘Do You Mind’ a number written by Lionel Bart was also a hit not long after
Then in 1960, Newley devised the TV series ‘The Strange World of Gurney Slade’ for ATV. A groundbreaking idea, it was revolutionary and performed with no studio audience in attendance. Watching it even now, it is astounding. Truly odd and strangely riveting
He then married actress Joan Collins in 1963 and had two children Tara and Sacha. They quickly became the ‘Posh and Becks’ of their day, very much the celebrity couple.
His work as a songwriter includes songs such as ‘What Kind of Fool Am I’, ‘Gonna Build Me a Mountain’, ‘The Joker’. ‘On a Wonderful Day Like Today’ and his renditions of ‘Strawberry Fair’ and ‘Pop Goes the Weasel’ are still firm favourites among his fans today.
Newley’s distinctive vocal style was an early influence on David Bowie who was a fan of Newley’s.
Perhaps the standout songs of his, written with song writing partner Leslie Bricusse, are the theme to the James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’ sung memorably by Shirley Bassey and ‘Feelin’ Good’ memorably covered by Nina Simone
The musical theatre was another avenue explored by the pair – calling themselves Brickman and Newburg – and includes the shows ‘Stop The World, I Want to Get Off’ and ‘The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd’. They also worked on the film version of ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ in 1971 based on the book by Roald Dahl which resulted in the well known and covered song ‘The Candy Man’
A standout film for your correspondent however, was his work in the title role of Sammy Lee in ‘The Small World of Sammy Lee’ from 1961, which is a great watch especially if you love shots of old London and Soho in particular.
Newley also played Matthew Mugg in ‘Doctor Doolittle’ from 1967 and then wrote and starred in the bizarrely entitled ‘Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness’ that first appeared in 1969.
Later in 1975 he was ‘Quilp’ in ‘Mister Quilp’, which is also known as ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’
Over the years he was a familiar face on the TV screens of the UK but maybe more so in America during the 70s appearing on many chat shows and game shows.
Sadly though his career was on the wane somewhat and after a failed attempt at a Charlie Chaplin musical, he struggled to reach the heights one more time.
He last appeared on UK TV screens in the soap opera ‘EastEnders’ but sadly ill health brought that to an end
He died of renal cancer at the age of 67, on April 14th 1999 in Florida.
So, he’s been dead for nearly 20 years now, but on that West End night recently, he was never more alive.
And long may that continue…
The Mumper of SE5
