The Better 'Ole

The Better 'Ole
or The Romance of Old Bill
Arthur Bourchier as Old Bill
Music	Herman Darewski
Lyrics	Percival Knight James Heard
Book	Bruce Bairnsfather Arthur Elliot
Basis	Old Bill (cartoon character)
Productions	1917 London 1917 UK tour 1918 Broadway International productions

The Better 'Ole, also called The Romance of Old Bill, is an Edwardian musical comedy with a book by Bruce Bairnsfather and Arthur Elliot, music by Herman Darewski, and lyrics by Percival Knight and James Heard, based on the cartoon character Old Bill, an infantryman, drawn by Bairnsfather. In the musical, Old Bill intercepts a spy's plan to destroy a bridge, trapping a French regiment after they cross it. Bill saves them by blowing up the bridge before they pass; his actions are misunderstood, however, and he is arrested for disobeying orders and holding an enemy document. After Victoire explains the situation, Bill is released and given a medal.

The original London production in 1917 was a hit, running for over 800 performances, starring Arthur Bourchier as Old Bill. The piece also had success on tour and on Broadway the following year and spawned two film adaptations and a sequel.

London and original tour
On 4 August 1917, The Better 'Ole opened in London at the Oxford Music Hall, where it ran for 811 performances, starring Arthur Bourchier as Old Bill. It was produced by Charles B. Cochran. After the success of the London production was apparent, a provincial touring company was formed, led by Martin Adeson as Old Bill.

Broadway
It later also ran successfully on Broadway, where Charles Coburn starred as Old Bill opposite his wife, who played Victoire; the couple are also credited as the producers of the Broadway production. The production first played downtown at the Greenwich Village Theatre, then moved to Broadway at the Cort Theatre and later the Booth Theatre. Choreographed by Lily Leonora, the show played from 19 October 1918 to 4 October 1919, lasting 353 performances.

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