Before Barbara Windsor dived into the Carry On Films, she was part of the experimental theatre company that created “Sparrows Can’t Sing”. Called “Sparrers Can’t Sing” when it was originally staged at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, in 1960, the stage play was a mix of Stephen Lewis‘ script and improvisation by the cast.

A blend of comedy, music, and a modern representation of London’s East End, it was the first English-language film to be released in America with subtitles to translate the Cockney rhyming slang.

The only film by renowned theatre director Joan Littlewood, the casting of Barbara Windsor in her first starring film role earned Babs a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress at the 17th British Academy Film Awards. Produced at Elstree Studios and filmed across the East End, one filming location was the Kentucky Club, notorious for being owned by the Kray brothers.

On the 26th of February 1963, the world premiere was attended by the Earl of Snowdon. Held at the ABC cinema on the Mile End Road, post-film drinks were had across the road at the Kentucky club before the party moved to another Krays establishment, Esmerelda’s in the West End. The film then also opened at the Rialto cinema in London’s West End on the 27th of February 1963.

Available in A4, A3, and A2 sizes to fit standard-size picture frames. Please note that black frame is not included – for a guide on choosing a frame size take a look here.

An official collaboration with Studiocanal, this print is part of the collection of stylish pop art prints inspired by film adaptations of stage plays, and features Art & Hue’s signature halftone style (halftone is an age-old technique that uses dots to make up the printed image, similar to newspapers or comic books).

“Sparrows Can’t Sing” Copyright © STUDIOCANAL Films Ltd. (1963). All rights reserved. | Pop Art Copyright © Art & Hue® 2018-2020. All rights reserved.