Cocky was played by Norman Wisdom; Sir by Willoughby Goddard; The Kid by Sally Smith; The Girl by Dilys Watling; The Negro by Cy Grant; and Elaine Paige made her first professional appearance on stage in the chorus.

American theatre producer David Merrick saw the show in Liverpool and, aware production costs could be kept low, decided to bring it to the United States, beginning with a lengthy national tour, under the condition that Anthony Newley step into the starring role of Cocky.

and an original cast recording released by RCA Victor several weeks before the show reached New York City – the opposite of normal practice – brought the musical to the public's awareness and boosted sales.

After seven previews, the Broadway production, directed by Newley and choreographed by Gillian Lynne, opened on 16 May 1965 at the Shubert Theatre, where it ran for 231 performances.

The cast included Newley as Cocky; Cyril Ritchard as Sir; Sally Smith from the UK production repeating her role as The Kid; Joyce Jillson as The Girl; and Gilbert Price as The Negro.

"The Joker" was recorded by Gina Riley for use as the opening theme song for the Australian sitcom Kath & Kim and was covered originally by Shirley Bassey.