Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be

Set at the end of the 1950s, preceding the birth of rock and roll and the Beatles, Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be is a witty and warm-hearted musical set within a West End underworld of gamblers, spivs, prostitutes and Teddy boys. Written by ex-con Frank Norman, the show tells the tale of Fred, a loveable rogue, who comes out of prison to find he is not quite the king of the manor he once was.

This authentic new production is being staged as part of the celebrations of Joan Littlewood’s100th birthday year. Fings was initially discovered by Littlewood, who began directing the
show as a play, before engaging the legendary writer and composer Lionel Bart to write songs for the show. Known for his seminal work on Oliver! (written three years after Fings), Bart grew up
in London’s East End and was renowned for his use of cockney wit and charm within his songs.