Lizbeth Webb, English soprano and actress (b. 1926)
Betty Ethel Holton, professionally celebrated as Lizbeth Webb, was a distinguished English soprano and stage actress whose vibrant career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on British musical theatre. Born on January 30, 1926, and passing on January 17, 2013, Webb's powerful yet exquisite vocal talent and charismatic stage presence earned her a unique place in theatrical history.
From Dance Bands to Wartime Heroine
Before her ascent to West End stardom, Lizbeth Webb honed her vocal prowess as a popular dance band vocalist. Her early career took a significant turn during World War II, where she dedicated her talents to entertaining British troops. This vital contribution, often under the auspices of organisations like the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), provided much-needed morale and distraction for service personnel both at home and abroad. Her performances in this capacity showcased her versatility and dedication even before she became a household name.
The "Champagne Soprano" and West End Triumphs
Lizbeth Webb quickly became a darling of the London stage, forging a remarkable career in West End musicals. Her light, sparkling voice, coupled with an effervescent stage persona, led to her endearing epithet: "the champagne soprano." This moniker perfectly captured the bright, effervescent quality of her high soprano register and her delightful, vivacious portrayals, often associated with the operatic and operetta styles of her repertoire.
Among her most memorable contributions was originating the beloved song "This Is My Lovely Day" from the musical Bless the Bride. Composed by Vivian Ellis, with lyrics by A.P. Herbert, this iconic tune premiered in 1947, becoming synonymous with Webb's voice and instantly cementing her status as a leading lady in the British theatre.
Her vivaciousness and vocal artistry shone brightly in a succession of pivotal roles:
- Lucy Willow in Bless the Bride (1947): This highly successful musical, set in Victorian England, provided Webb with her breakout role. Her portrayal of Lucy, a young woman navigating love and societal expectations, captivated audiences and showcased her exceptional lyrical soprano capabilities and stage presence.
- Linda in Ivor Novello's Gay's the Word (1951): Working with the legendary Ivor Novello, a giant of British operetta and musical theatre, was a significant achievement. In Gay's the Word, Novello's penultimate musical, Webb's performance as Linda further solidified her reputation for bringing charm and vocal brilliance to her characters, often sharing the stage with celebrated actress Cicely Courtneidge.
- Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (1953): Perhaps one of her most iconic roles, Webb originated the role of the earnest Salvation Army sergeant Sarah Brown in the first West End production of Frank Loesser's seminal Broadway musical. Her portrayal demonstrated her ability to balance comedic timing with the demanding vocal requirements of a classic soprano role, notably in numbers like "I'll Know" and "If I Were A Bell." This production, a direct transfer from Broadway, marked a significant moment in British musical theatre history, introducing the London stage to one of the most enduring American musicals.
Marriage, Family, and a Graceful Exit from the Stage
In 1956, Lizbeth Webb married Colonel Guy Campbell, a distinguished figure and the heir to a baronetcy. A baronetcy is a hereditary title, ranking below a baron but above a knight, granting the holder the prefix "Sir" and being the only hereditary title that is not also a peerage. This marriage marked a significant shift in Webb's life, as she made the decision to largely step away from the demanding world of professional theatre in the late 1950s to focus on her family. She dedicated herself to raising her two sons, cementing her commitment to her personal life outside the spotlight.
A Memorable Encore and Enduring Legacy
Despite her departure from regular performance, Lizbeth Webb made a celebrated return for a final engagement in 1969. This special appearance saw her take on the challenging and iconic title role in Franz Lehár's beloved operetta, The Merry Widow. This comeback performance offered audiences a chance to once again witness her legendary vocal and theatrical prowess, proving her enduring talent and captivating stage presence remained undimmed.
Lizbeth Webb is remembered not only for her enchanting voice and dynamic stage portrayals but also for her significant contribution to defining the leading soprano roles of a golden era in West End musicals. Her legacy continues to be celebrated by theatre historians and aficionados alike, underscoring her importance in the annals of British performing arts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lizbeth Webb
- Who was Lizbeth Webb?
- Lizbeth Webb, born Betty Ethel Holton (1926-2013), was a celebrated English soprano and stage actress best known for her leading roles in West End musicals, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s.
- Why was she called "the champagne soprano"?
- She earned the endearing nickname "the champagne soprano" due to the bright, sparkling, and effervescent quality of her high soprano voice and her vivacious, charming stage personality, which brought a delightful lightness to her performances.
- What famous song did Lizbeth Webb originate?
- Lizbeth Webb is famously remembered for originating the iconic song "This Is My Lovely Day" from the 1947 Vivian Ellis musical, Bless the Bride.
- What were some of her most notable West End roles?
- Her prominent West End roles included Lucy Willow in Bless the Bride, Linda in Ivor Novello's Gay's the Word, and most notably, Sarah Brown in the original London production of Frank Loesser's acclaimed musical, Guys and Dolls.
- When did Lizbeth Webb retire from the stage?
- Lizbeth Webb largely retired from regular performances in the late 1950s after her marriage to Colonel Guy Campbell to focus on her family. However, she made a celebrated return for a final engagement in the title role of The Merry Widow in 1969.