Discover the timeless tunes of Dorothy Fields with Suzanne Noble at Brighton Fringe

Fields was responsible for writing over 400 songs, including classics like "Hey Big Spender," "A Fine Romance," and "The Way You Look Tonight." Noble's one-woman show will feature Fields' most famous songs as well as some lesser-known ones.

For many of us who grew up listening to the Great American Songbook, the names of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra readily come to mind. But what about the woman who penned some of their most iconic tunes? Dorothy Fields may not be a household name, but her contributions to the music industry are undeniable.

Actress/Singer Suzanne Noble discovered Fields' music through a collaboration with Paul Maguire, a semi-retired pianist who had worked as a composer, arranger, and pianist in the West End. Maguire suggested they write something new together and introduced Noble to Fields' work.

Fields, who wrote over 400 songs and contributed to more than 20 stage musicals and 30 movies, was a force to be reckoned with in the industry. She worked alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Jimmy McHugh, Jerome Kern, Arthur Schwartz, and Quincy Jones. We have Fields to thank for timeless classics such as "Exactly Like You," "I'm in the Mood for Love," "Don't Blame Me," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "You Couldn't Be Cuter," "I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "I Won't Dance," "The Way You Look Tonight," and "A Fine Romance."

In 1966, Dorothy Fields teamed up with composer Cy Coleman to work on the Broadway musical "Sweet Charity," which was based on Federico Fellini's film "Nights of Cabiria." One of the standout songs from the show was "Hey, Big Spender," a seductive and sassy number sung by the dance hall girls as they try to entice their clients to spend more money. The song's catchy melody and Fields' clever lyrics, which included lines like "Wouldn't you like to have fun, fun, fun? / How's about a few laughs, laughs? / I could show you a good time / Let me show you a good time," made it an instant hit.

Despite coming from a theatrical family, Fields was initially dissuaded from pursuing a career in the industry. However, her persistence paid off, and she went on to become one of the most prolific and enduring lyricists of her time.

Noble was so inspired by Fields' story that she created a one-woman show, "If they could see me now: the words & music of Dorothy Fields." The show will feature Fields' most famous songs, as well as lesser-known ones from the beginning of her career until her death in 1974 at the age of 69.

"I hope this show will finally catalyse Dorothy's name alongside all the others who have given us the Great American Songbook, which is what she deserves and most certainly would have wanted," says Noble.

The show will take place at The Actors Theatre in Brighton on 18/19th May at 6.30 pm. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the music of Dorothy Fields and celebrate the legacy of one of the most talented and groundbreaking women in music history.

Ticket Link: brightonfringe.org/events/if-they-could-see-me-now-the-words-music-of-dorothy-fields/