Under the Counter (musical)

Under the Counter is a musical comedy composed by Manning Sherwin from a book by Arthur Macrae with lyrics by Harold Purcell. The plot is centred around shortages and black market activity during wartime rationing. After premiering at the Grand Theatre, Leeds, before transferring for a lengthy run of 665 performances at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End between 22 November 1945 and 5 July 1947. It starred Cicely Courtneidge, who was replaced for a month by Florence Desmond before she returned to the role.