Theatre News

Leslie Bricusse to write new musical Sammy

The composer hopes to premiere his musical about Sammy Davis Jr in the near future

Leslie Bricusse, his wife Evie, Sammy Davis Jr, George and Alana Hamilton in 1970
Leslie Bricusse, his wife Evie, Sammy Davis Jr and George and Alana Hamilton in 1970

British composer Leslie Bricusse has revealed he is working on a major new musical about the life of his close friend and legendary entertainer, Sammy Davis Jr.

Bricusse's current musical Pure Imagination opened for previews at the St James theatre yesterday evening and includes his hit songs such as "Feeling Good" and "Goldfinger".

Oscar and Grammy Award winner Bricusse has composed over 1,000 songs, with Davis Jr recording over 60 of them including "What Kind of Fool Am I" and "Candy Man".

Speaking to The London Weekly News, Bricusse said: "He was a lifelong friend and I wanted his story told properly. It's called Sammy and the man I want to play him is in Pure Imagination.

"He's Giles Terera and he even looks like Sammy. He played Sammy in The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas and he's absolutely marvellous."

Whilst nothing is yet confirmed, Bricusse has said he hopes the musical will open in London in the near future.