Music
Playlist: Listen to some classic Bacharach to get you in the mood for Promises, Promises
The wonderful Promises, Promises makes an exciting return to the West End next year at the Southwark Playhouse.
Based on the brilliant 1960 movie The Apartment, the musical features songs by classic songwriter Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David, and a book by Neil Simon.
It most recently received a Broadway revival in 2010, starring Will & Grace regular Sean Hayes and Wicked veteran Kristen Chenoweth in a version that added in some extra Bacharach-David magic.
Here we’ve gathered some classic Bacharach-David numbers to get you in the mood for this super, swinging ‘60s show. Some of these feature in the show itself, while others are just out and out classics – enjoy!
Dusty Springfield – Knowing When To Leave
This version is a live recording of Dusty at a Burt Bacharach TV Special in 1970. Pure gold.
Ella Fitzgerald – A House Is Not A Home
This song is hauntingly beautiful. Added to the 2010 production of Promises, Promises, it closes act one with its perfectly romantic sensibilities.
Kristin Chenoweth – I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
Of course made super famous by the incomparable Dionne Warwick, this version is Chenoweth’s rendition straight from the Broadway revival cast recording. She’s just perfect here.
Dionne Warwick – I Say A Little Prayer
We could quite happily listen to the My Best Friend’s Wedding version of this – remember that hilarious dinner table scene? – till the end of time, but here’s Dionne putting in some real sass.
Dusty Springfield – I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself
The saddest ever break-up song. Fact.
Nancy Sinatra – Wishin’ and Hopin’
In terms of its messaging, this song has aged terribly. “Do every thing for your man, ladies; or else!” Still, a total doozy of a tune.
Naked Eyes – There’s Always Something There To Remind Me
What makes Burt Bacharach’s songs even better? A healthy dose of ’80s pop synth, of course.
Dionne Warwick – Promises Promises
Ah, the show’s titular number. No one does this better than Dionne. Perfection.
Promises, Promises comes to the Southwark Playhouse from 18 January 2017. Tickets are available now from Ticketmaster.co.uk.
