DRAKE
A National Youth Music Theatre in 2 Acts.
Music by David Nield, book and lyrics by Jeremy James Taylor
The George Square Theatre (The Edinburgh Fringe Festival). July 1983
From the writers of the highly successful Tin Pan Ali, and also written for the National Youth Music Theatre, this big band musical, with no apologies to history, relates the story of Drake, Queen Elizabeth 1 and the Spanish Armada. With Tom Cobbley's bowling team from Widecombe adding to the general hilarity, this show will prove a must for all secondary schools.
Sir Francis Drake lives in this light-hearted, decidedly unhistoric romp. Presented in the style of English pantomime, "Drake" tells the story of the legendary sea captain of the "Golden Hind" who is credited with circumnavigating the globe, defeating the Spanish Armada and – at least according to this musical charmer – romancing Queen Elizabeth I.
A musical that abounds with zest and enthusiasm.
- East Cornwell Times
cast:
5 male, 3 female
- Queen Elizabeth I
- Phoebe
- Minstrel
- Howard of Effingham
- Don Bernadino De Amontillado
- Lord Cedric Neasden
- Lord Fred Tooting
- Manuel
- Casuel
- Messenger
- Servant
- Audrey
- Sir Francis Drake
- Sir John Killigrew
- Lady Winifred Killigrew
- Ebenezer
- Ned
- Dick
- Jack
- William
- John
- Charlie
- George
- Arthur
- Fred
- Tom Cobbley
- Jan Stewer
- Simon Cobbley
- Peter Gurney
- Peter Davey
- Daniel Whiddon
- Harry Hawk
- Bill Brewer
- Sir Walter Raleigh
- Alice
- Amaryllis
- Phyllis
- Flo
- Alfred
- Harry
MUSICAL NUMBERS
- Faire, Sweet Cruell - Minstrel, Elizabeth
- Drake's Back - Chorus of Devonians
- The Singeing Of The King Of Spain's Beard - Drake, Crew of the Golden Hind
- Sir Walter Raleigh - Alice, Amaryllis, Phyllis, Flo, Raleigh
- We're Off To Meet The Queen - Raleigh, Drake, Alice, Amaryllis, Phyllis, Flo, Company
- John And Lady Killigrew - Killegrew, Lady Killegrew, Manuel, Casuel
- Faire, Sweet Cruell (Reprise) - Drake
- How Can He Leave Me? - Elizabeth
- Lady, You Have Prayed - Raleigh, Elizabeth
- Travelling Song - Killegrew, Lady Killegrew, Manuel, Casuel
- Francis, Vote For Francis - Drake's Supporters, Killegrew's Supporters, Widecombers
- It's Raining Again In Greenwich - Raleigh, Chorus of Courtiers
- How Dare He Make A Fool Of Me? - Elizabeth
- Widecombe Bowl - Tom Cobbley, Audrey, Drake, Chorus of Widecombers, Company
- Fanfare for the Arrival of Elizabeth/How Can He Leave Me (Reprise) - Company
- You, Rushing In Like A Stranger - Elizabeth, Drake, Manuel,
Casduel, Chorus
Instrumentation:
Reed I (alto sax, clarinet, bass clarinet, opt. recorder), Reed II (alto sax, clarinet, opt. recorder), Reed III (tenor sax, clarinet, flute, piccolo, opt. recorder), Reed IV (tenor sax, clarinet, flute, piccolo, opt. recorder), 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, percussion, piano, bass