The Burston Drum

Book by Ellen Dryden; Lyrics by Don Taylor; Music by Charles Young

Synopsis

On the 1st Apri1, 1914, in the village of Burston, a group of children went on strike to protest at the unfair dismissal of their teachers, Kitty and Tom Higdon. The Burston Drum tells the story, in musical form, of the events leading up to this historic first school strike, and of Kitty's battle to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable education for all the village children and Tom's fight to organize the villagers into a more democratic rural community. With simple staging and a large cast (either all children or mixed children and adults) this musical offers the opportunity for an enjoyable and entertaining community or school production.

• "A musical with the kind of theme and requirements which seem likely to give it universal appeal." Times Educational Supplement
• "An ideal workfor senior school groups..." Brentford and Chiswick Times
• "Musically the show is a treat, achieving Mozartian grandeur in the Act One finale..." Amateur Stage

The Cast:

M 14 F 11, children, extras

The Scene

A schooiroom, a drawing-room, a playground

Orchestration

Cello, Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trombone, Drums