A Persian Princess


A Persian Princess is an oriental-themed Edwardian musical comedy in two acts, with a book by Leedham Bantock and P. J. Barrow, lyrics by Percy Greenbank and music by Sidney Jones, with additional numbers by Marie Horne. It premiered on 27 April 1909 at the Queen's Theatre in London. Despite its experienced and highly regarded cast the show opened to poor reviews and had a short run of 68 performances, closing on 3 July 1909.

Roles and original cast

Chorus of Courtiers, Musicians, Bodyguards, Merchants, Turtle Fishers, Egg Seekers, Ivory Carvers, Guards and Slaves, etc.

Musical numbers

Act I

The Slave Market outside King Khayyam's Palace
  • 1 Opening Number: Mustapha and Girls
  • 2 Trio: Amm Zad, Swaak and Zingarie – "Zingarie"
  • 3 Song: Omar and Chorus – "When I am King"
  • 4 Duet: Yolene and Omar – "Idle Promises"
  • 5 Entrance: Trio and Chorus – Khalifah, Zingarie and Swaak – "The King and the Camel"
  • 6 Song: Zingarie and Guards – "The Doggies and the Bone"
  • 7 Song: Yolene and Chorus of Girls – "In the Dark"
  • 8 Song: Swaak and Chorus – "Insomnia"
  • 9 Quartet: Ayala, Omar, Swaak and El Tabloid – "In the Swim"
  • 10 Chorus and Entrance of Slaves
  • 11 Song: Amm Zad and Chorus – "The Slave Driver"
  • 12 Song: Yolene and Chorus – "Moon Blossom"
  • 13 Finale

    Act II

King Khayyam's Palace
  • 1 Opening Chorus
  • 2 Duet: Zingarie and Swaak – "A little Coral Island"
  • 3 Duet: Omar and Yolene – "The Mirror of Happiness"
  • 4 Trio:Khayyam, El Tabloid and Ayala – "The Doctor the Patient and the Nurse"
  • 5 Song: Yolene and Chorus – "The Juniper Tree"
  • 6 Dance: Ujujube
  • 7 Glee: Khayyam, Khalifah, Swaak and Zingarie – "Poor Alfred"
  • 8 Song: Ayala and Girls – "A Cup of Coffee"
  • 9 Song: Omar – "Cupid's Caravan"
  • 10 Song: Zingarie and Chorus – "Come to Persia"
  • 11 Song: Yolene – "The Land of Heart's Content"
  • 12 Wedding Chorus
  • 13 Finale