The Naughty Princess

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The Naughty Princess is a light musical comedy with music by Charles Cuvillier, a book by J. Hastings Turner, and lyrics by Adrian Ross. It is adapted from the 1912 piece La reine joyeuse by Cuvillier and André Barde. The story follows Princess Sophia, a very modern thinker who resists an arranged marriage and strict court rules.

Her father, King Michael of Panoplia, wants her to marry Prince Gospodar for political reasons. Sophia declares she will quit the court to become a painter. The king hopes to trap her by arranging a flirtation with someone unsuitable, hoping Gospodar will then seem like a better match.

The king’s nephew, Prince Ladislas, returns from ten years in Paris to help. He pretends to be the famous painter Hippolyte Flaméche and meets Sophia. She loves him, so they plan to go to Paris together with a lady-in-waiting and all the royal jewels. Ladislas is not really a painter, and the portrait he makes is a failure, but Sophia still goes to Paris.

In Paris they join the Bal des Quat’z’ Arts, with an ancient Egypt theme and spectacular costumes. Ladislas meets an old flame, Chiquette, who is now married to the real Flaméche. Flaméche is drawn to Sophia, but Chiquette protects her. Ladislas pretends to be bohemian and in love, to help Sophia see the life she wants.

Back home, a revolution has occurred. Michael is dethroned, and Sophia is named queen. She discovers that the kissing bohemian was Ladislas, and she accepts his proposal of marriage.

Reception: The Observer praised the performers, especially Grossmith, and said the music, humor, and Lily St. John’s bright voice helped the show, with outstanding scenery and costumes. The Times called it a riot of color and one of the most exhilarating London productions in a long time, noting the music fits the opéra bouffe label and that the waltz and Egyptian pageantry stood out.

Production details: The London premiere was at the Adelphi Theatre, produced by George Grossmith, Jr. and Edward Laurillard, opening on 7 October 1920 and running 280 performances. An Australian tour followed in 1922 under J. C. Williamson.