The Happy Hypocrite is a musical show which is now ready to go with a complete script and lyrics based on Max Beerbohm's short novel of the same name, written in the early 20th century but set in London in 1820. It is what used to be called a fable, a story about the redemptive power of love, as it affects Lord George Hell, the wickedest man in London. The Regency setting requires a cast of grotesques, beaux and bucks and 'fashionable impures'. The Greek Gods and their London agent, Mr Aeneas, who runs a mask-making business interest themselves in the improbable love felt by Lord George for Jeny Mere, a young singer and dancer. Others in the cast include La Gambogi, an Italian lady of uncertain years, a Merry Dwarf, and a foolish old fop with an addiction to unsuccessful gambling. A harlequinade is featured, as well as wrestling, and feats of archery. There have been two previous stage versions of the story, one starring Mrs Patrick Campbell and one featuring Ivor Novello, but both were straight narrations without musical numbers. Beerbohm's more famous story, Zuleika Dobson, was however adapted for the west end musical stage in the 60s.