BABES IN ARMS a musical comedy in two acts, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, book by George Oppenheimer based on the original book by Rodgers and Hart. Produced at the Shubert Theatre, New York 14th April 1937 transferring to the Majestic Theatre, New York 25th October, 1937 with Mitzi Green, Ray Heatherton and Dana Hardwick. A film version was produced by MGM and released on 19th September 1939 starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, and directed by Busby Berkeley. STORY Act I At the loss-making Surf and Sand Playhouse in Cape Cod, introduced to us by a jaundiced Press Agent ("Seating capacity 640, number of spectators per night 14"), a group of young apprentices complain of their exploitation by the owner Seymour Fleming, who is even threatening to cancel their own planned revue. Their leader Valentine (Val) White has written a song about it. They are determined to do the show for the sake of the theatre's down-trodden co-owner Bunny Byron, who has to work for Fleming because of the money her father owed him. Terry and Gus have a love-hate relationship, not improved when Terry tries flirting with Lee Calhoun, the insufferable author of The Deep North, the play in rehearsal. Val falls for the glamorous Jennifer Owen, the juvenile lead in the play, and his feelings are soon reciprocated. She sneaks away from her dominant mother Phyllis to watch Val rehearsing the revue. A passionate embrace is interrupted by young Susie, who is crazy about Val and jealous of the glamorous arrival. Val sees Susie as a younger-sister type, but for her he is "My Funny Valentine." Jennifer can't stand Lee's play, his writing or his hammy acting and threatens to quit, but Phyllis imperiously solves the issue: a second week's run of the play, the first to count as rehearsals and no time at all left for the apprentices' revue. Jennifer backs down, but the kids and Bunny - are going to fight it all the way Act II At the start, the Press Agent indicates a mood of depression and resignation among the kids: Susie alone is optimistic, but Val is upset that Jennifer has let them down. Lee arrives, hunting for Jennifer, who has slipped the leash again - the kids inveigle him into the cellar and lock him in, but he escapes, only to overhear Jennifer, who has come to tell the kids that she is planning to fake sickness to get out of the play and he slinks off to tell Fleming. Phyllis, also looking for Jennifer, dramatically accuses Bunny of not being a lady for refusing to help search, which Bunny cheerfully admits. Fleming announces that the boy-wonder producer Steve Edwards (who is known to 'have a thing' for Jennifer) is coming to see the play, whereupon Susie and Terry hatch separate plans .......... In Steve's hotel room, both girls are caught by Gus, who bundles Terry out, but Val gets a shock when he bursts in on Steve and Susie - not realising that they are brother and sister (and they're not telling yet!) He leaves in righteous fury, which delights Susie - but uppermost in her mind is getting her brother to see the revue. The apprentices mischievously succeed in turning The Deep North into a shambles of miscued entrances, sound effects and collapsing props, and sneak off to the barn to do the revue, where Steve joins them. Of course, Fleming finds them, but is out of time in firing them all, as Steve has just handed them a cheque to option their show, so Fleming gets the debt paid off, Val and Susie are reunited - as the Press Agent says at curtain "A musical comedy can have a happy ending!"
CHARACTERS • THE PRESS AGENT - Introduces us to the theatre, the company and to the revue at the close of the show. • TERRY THOMPSON - Young apprentice who is sexy and tries a heavy seduction routine on first Lee Calhoun and then Steve, as though she were a mature woman - but she is still a kid in her affections toward Gus. • GUS FIELDING - A clumsy, daffy but endearing apprentice, who is a naive, romantic kid in Terry's eyes. • PETER, BETTY, BOB, LIBBY, ANN, DON, NANCY - Young starry-eyed apprentices who work in terrible conditions for the love of the theatre. • VALENTINE WHITE - Mature, responsible apprentice, to whom the others look up, and not just because he has written and composed their revue. He is very attractive to the girls and though dazzled by Jennifer, he eventually realises that Susie is his real love. • SUSIE WARD - A young apprentice who is totally devoted to Val. She idolises him in a real youngersister way. But the optimism and determination with which she succeeds in getting the revue performed proves she has a very mature side, which eventually wins Val over. • SEYMOUR FLEMING - A hard-hearted, penny-pinching man who makes enemies easily, while trying to ingratiate himself with important people. • BUNNY BYRON - A mousy lady who is pushed around by Fleming but very popular with the kids and secretly harbours ambitions to act and generally 'let rip'. • LEE CALHOUN - A small-town Southern playwright who is alone in thinking a lot of himself. He hams his way through everything and alienates everybody with his conceit. • JENNIFER OWEN - Beautiful young actress, ex-child movie star, she is smothered by her mother and fights for the time and space to be herself - preferably in male company. • PHYLLIS OWEN - A real 'stage mum' living her life through her daughter, while totally disregarding her. She herself is a melodramatic actress, often faking sickness to get sympathy and her own way. • STEVE EDWARDS - A young producer who uses his great charm to full effect. The brother of Susie, he has an open heart and is very supportive of the revue. ORCHESTRATION Reed 1: Alto Sax, Clarinet, Flute Reed 2: Tenor Sax, Clarinet Reed 3: Alto Sax, Clarinet Reed 4: Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet 3 Trumpets Trombone Percussion Piano Strings MUSICAL NUMBERS 1. Overture - Orchestra 2. Where or When - Billie Smith, Valentine 3. Babes in Arms - Company 4. I Wish I Were in Love Again - Gus Fielding, Dolores Reynolds 5. Way Out West - Baby Rose, Quartet 6. My Funny Valentine - Billie Smith 7. Johnny One-Note - Baby Rose
8. Ballet: Johnny One-Note 9. Imagine - Baby Rose, Quartet, Gus Fielding 10. All at Once - Valentine LaMar, Billie Smith 11. Peter's Journey 12. Imagine reprise l - Peter Jackson; Quartet, Gus Fielding 13. Ballet: Peter's Journey 14. Imagine reprise - Peter Jackson, Quartet 15. The Lady Is a Tramp - Billie Smith 16. You Are So Fair - Gus Fielding, Dolores Reynolds 17. Finale - Company Babes in Arms - Cast Recording The Broadway Musicals Series: Babes in Arms Studio Cast - Mary Martin Studio Cast Recording
BABES IN TOYLAND A Musical Extravaganza in a Prologue and 3 Acts, 11 Scenes. Libretto (book, lyrics) by Glen MacDonough. Music by Victor Herbert. Majestic Theatre, New York : Opened 13th October, 1903; closed 19th March, 1904 (192 perfs) STORY The basic story is about orphans Alan and Jane, the wards of their wicked Uncle Barnaby, who wants to steal their fortune. He arranges for them to be shipwrecked and lost at sea, but somehow they are rescued by gypsies and returned to Contrary Mary's garden. Contrary Mary, believing her beloved Alan is dead, has run away with her brother, Tom-Tom the Piper's son, rather than agree to marry Barnaby. After a second attempt on their lives in the Spider's Den, Alan and Jane are protected by the Moth Queen. In Toyland, Contrary Mary, Tom-Tom, Alan and Jane find each other and seek protection from the Master Toymaker, an evil genius who plots with Barnaby to create toys that kill and maim. The demonic possessed dolls kill the Toymaker and Barnaby uses the information to have Alan sentenced to death. Contrary Mary agrees to marry him in exchange for Alan's pardon, but Barnaby marries her, denounces Alan again, and dies, after drinking a wine glass filled with poison meant for Alan. Tom-Tom reveals that an old law of Toyland permitting marriage between a widow and a condemned man on condition that he supports her and honestly works may save Alan from the gallows and he marries the Widow Barnaby. MUSICAL NUMBERS 1. Don't Cry, Bo-Peep (Never Mind, Bo-Peep, We Will Find Your Sheep) - Bo-Peep, Tom Tom, Widow Piper's Children 2. Floretta - Alan, Chorus 3. Mary Mary (Entrance of Contrary Mary) - Chorus 4. Barney O'Flynn - Contrary Mary, Chorus 5. I Can't Do the Sum - Jane, Widow Piper's Children 6. Slumber Deep - The Spirit of Oak, Wood Spirits 7. Christmas Fair Waltz - Chorus 8. (Our Castle in Spain) The Legend of the Castle - Dutch Doll, Chorus 9. Sheet Music to "I Can't Do the Sums" 10. Rock-a-bye Baby - Alan, Chorus 11. Toy Soldiers' March and Military Ball - Alan, Jane, Full Chorus 12. The Toymakers (Shop) - Male Chorus 13. Toyland - Tom Tom, Male Chorus 14. My Rag Doll Girl (The Rag Doll)- Grumio, Jill 15. An Old-Fashioned Rose - Tom Tom 16. Before and After - Alan, Contrary Mary 17. Jane - Jane, Grumio, Chorus * 18. Maybe the Moon Will Help You Out - Bo-Peep 19. Finale - Ensemble * Replaced with "He Won't Be Happy Till He Gets It"
CAST (in order of appearance): • Alan, nephew of Barnaby • Jane, Barnaby's niece • Uncle Barnaby, a rich miser in love with Contrary Mary • The Widow Piper, a lonely widow with 14 children • Contrary Mary, the Widow Piper's eldest daughter • Tom Tom, her eldest son • Jill, who helps Jack • Bo-Peep, who is a careless sbepherdess • Red Riding Hood, who is devoted to her grandmother • Sallie Waters, who wants to get married • Curly Locks, who wants to wed a title • Miss Muffit, who is afraid of spiders • Simple Simon, who is fond of fairs • Peter, who has a passion for pumpkin pie • Tommy Tucker. who sings for his supper and everything else • Jack, who does chores • Boy Blue, who wants to be a farmer • Bobby Shaftoe, who wants to be a sailor • Roderigo, a sentimental ruffian • Gonzargo, his hard-hearted partner • Hilda, maid of all work in the Piper household • The Master Toymaker, who designs the toys of the world • Grumio, apprentice at the Master Toymaker's workshop • Inspector Marmaduke, of the Toyland Police • Max, the toymaker's apprentice • The Brown Bear • The Sun Queen • The Spirit of Maple • The Spirit of Oak • The Spirit of Pine • The Spirit of Willow • The Moth Queen • Mima • The Volcano Queen • The Giant Spider Dandies, Flower Girls, French Dolls, Punches, Dutch Dolls, Toy Soldiers, Trumpeters, Drummers, Widows, SCENES AND SETTINGS Prologue Scene 1: Exterior of Uncle Bamaby's house. Scene 2: Electrical storm at sea and wreck of the Galleon. Act 1 Scene 1: Country fête in Contrary Mary's garden. Scene 2: Garden wall back of the garden. Scene 3: The Spider's Forest. Scene 4: The Floral Palace of the Moth Queen. Act 2 Scene l: The Christmas Tree Grove in Toyland. Scene 2: A street in Toyland Scene 3: The Master Toymaker's workshop. Scene 4. Exterior of Master Toymaker's castle. Act 3: The courtyard of the Toyland Palace of Justice Cast Recording Recording with “Red Mill” - Download
BABETTE A comic opera in 3 acts. Music by Victor Herbert ; Book and Lyrics by Harry B. Smith Broadway Theatre, New York - 16th November 1903 - 9th January, 1904 (59 perfs) SYNOPSIS Babette is a village letter writer in Antwerp during the days of Spanish domination. With the help of a soldier of fortune, Mondragon, she enlists the aid of the king of France to overthrow the despotic rule. MUSICAL NUMBERS Act I - Garden of Van Tympel's House near Antwerp. 1. Opening Chorus - "Swing the arm, and toss the sphere swiftly o'er the verdant moss; little reck' we care or fear, naught we care for gain or loss..." 2. Song - Mondragon and Chorus - "Let others waste their time pursuing the fleeting phantoms, wealth and fame. Such bubbles are not worth the wooing..." 3. Duet - Mondragon and Vinetta - "Here is a song to you, fair maid, on the other side of the wall, though I know well you're a fickle jade..." 4. Entrance of Babette - "Here's Babette ... Here's Babette, the letter writer, come and set your mind at ease ... Here's Babette; welcome, Babette..." 5. Song - Babette - "In pursuit of my profession many letters strange I write; sometimes 'tis a love confession, sometimes challenges to fight..." 6. Song - Tympel and Chorus - "Oh, the clockmaker's trade is a right good trade and a thrifty trade as well, for the good old clocks that for you are made..." 7. Duet - Marcel and Babette - "My subject is so fair a creature, no artist could her charm portray, nor realize her grace of feature on canvass..." 8. Finale Act I - Babette, Marcel, Mondragon and Chorus - "My friends, to arms! Come, all, to arms, 'tis the Nation calls! Defend our native land..." Act II - A Roadside Inn near Brussels. 9. Opening Chorus - "Kermess day of all the year is the merriest of all, and so now that Kermess day let us all obey the call..." 10. Chorus, Trio - Baltazar, Vinetta and Van Dyk - "Hey! hey! the coach ... Hey! hey! the coach ... the coach approaches, hurrah! ..." 11. Dance 12. Song - Mondragon and Chorus - "What would you buy, merry gentlemen all? For bargains each man of us strives, I've frippery furbelows, trinkets..." 13. Romanza - Marcel - "If I could look into your eyes and see the love-light there, there were no knight in armor bright but might of me beware..." 14. Entrance of Babette, Van Tympel and Eva - "To the sound of the pipe and the roll of the drum, the strolling comedians hitherward come..." 15. Song - Babette - "Once young Pierrot the gay the free, fell deep in love as deep could be, with Columbine so fair to see, and sighed so sadly: woe is me..." 16. Sextette - Marcel, Van Tympel, Eva, Mondragon, Katrina and Theresa - "There once was an owl, an intelligent fowl, so they tell me..." 17. Entrance of Guzman and Musketeers - "When troopers ride into a town with chargers urged by the spur, there's never a girl but her head's in a whirl..."
18. Finale Act II - "Hail! Duchess young and fair, of aristocratic air, never may your beauty fail! Here's hail, Duchess, hail! ..." Act III - Versailles. 19. Opening Chorus - "Stately grace! Rhythmic tread! Trip the newest dance of sword and fan. Proudly posed! Haughty head ..." 20. Entrance of Principals as Spanish Envoys - "We've come from the land of sunny, sunny Spain ... and a hearing by royalty we wish to gain..." 21. Madrigal - "My lady of the manor may be fair, may be fair. Hey nonny O, none shall say her nay. But Dolly of the milking pail may have as golden hair..." 22. Butterfly Waltz Song - Babette - "Ah... Where the fairest flow'rs are blooming in the summer air 'neath the azure sky, I would dwell 'mid their perfuming..." 23. Finale Act III - "Say farewell to all; one and all must happy be. I invite you to my wedding; none shall be as gay as we..." CAST • Babette- (a village letter writer, afterward a Court prima donna) • Mondragon - (a soldier of fortune) • Marcel - (a painter, in love with Babette) • Baltazar - (a professional conspirator) • Vinette - (his daughter) • Van Tympel - (a clock-maker) • Eva - (his wife) • The King of France • Guzman - (a Spanish officer) • Schnapps - (a tavern keeper) • Captain Walther • Jan • Quentin • Margot • Greta • Joan • Coachman • Footman • Mlle. de la Motte • Mlle. de Rohan • Mlle. Fontanges • Marquis de Villette • Count de Courville • Duc de St. Michel • François • Henri • Gaston • Jacque • Laurent • Theresa • Katrina SCENES AND SETTINGS Act 1: - Garden of Van Tympel's House near Antwerp. Act 2: - A Roadside Inn near Brussels. Act 3: - Versailles. Period: Seventeenth Century. Babette - Original US Cast 2005
BABY A Musical in 2 Acts, 24 Scenes. Book by Sybille Pearson. Based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz. Music by David Shire. Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Opened Ethel Barrymore Theatre 4 December, 1983 - Run 241 Performances Original Production Credits: Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. Musical staging by Wayne Cilento. Scenery by John Lee Beatty. Costumes by Jennifer von Mayrhauser. Lighting by Pat Collins. Film design by John Pieplow. Film sequences by Lennart Nilsson, Bo G. Erikson, Carl 0. Lofman, Swedish Television. Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. Music direction, Peter Howard. Sound design by Jack Mann. Sound Textures, Electronic programming by Dan Wyman. Associate producers, Ronald Licht, Robert A. Stewart, J. C. Associates, Elaine Yaker, Karen Howard, Lillian Steinberg. Produced by James B. Freydberg, Ivan Bloch, Kenneth-John Productions (Kenneth D. Greenblatt, John J. Pomerantz), Suzanne J. Schwartz in association with Manuscript Productions. THE STORY: The story is set on a college campus and takes place over a period of nine months, spanning the seasons from March to November. Danny and Lizzie, both 20, are students studying music. They share a basement flat and are close to graduating. Alan (48) who is a dean of the college, and his wife Arlene (43) are returning from holiday. Pam and her husband Nick - both 30 - are sport coaches. All three women have good reason to believe that they are accidentally pregnant, and each couple feels on the verge of great changes. Given their situation, Lizzie and Danny are a little apprehensive about the future, although Lizzie does not see a baby as reason enough to marry. Alan and Arlene reflect on their own situation with three children who have already flown the nest. They give themselves a week to decide whether or not to go through with the pregnancy. Pam and Nick are simply overjoyed and all over each other. The three women meet in the doctor's waiting room, reconciling their broodiness with their other ambitions. Meanwhile, Danny and Nick meet to express their doubts and reinforce their certainties. With great confusion and anguish, Pam finds that she is not pregnant at all. and that Nick may be virtually sterile. The doctor recommends a guidebook on bedroom practices, The three men meet at a ball game. Danny says he is to join a punk band called the Magnets in order to earn some money for the unexpected arrival. All look forward to the sacrifices they will make. Nick and Pam begin to use their guidebook and Alan and Arlene decide to have the baby. Danny is to tour with the band for several months and Lizzie bids goodbye to him at the bus station. Danny symbolically 'weds' her with an old ring before he leaves. Time passes for Lizzie and, left by herself one day she feels her baby move for the first time. By mid August, Lizzie is heavily pregnant and finds herself stopped by other women telling her their own birth experiences. Danny at last returns. They are delighted to discover that they now both want to get married. Nick and Pam finally give up on the guidebook which has made their lovemaking a misery. Nick suggests maybe she should find a man who can guarantee to make her pregnant but they both know that what they have together is too precious to sacrifice. Arlene and Alan come to see that her 'accidental' pregnancy was actually something they had both wanted, because their love had become predictable. Realising their new potential, the experiences of all three of the couples are inter-played as Lizzie finally gives birth to her baby at the hospital.
ORIGINAL CAST (in order of appearance): Lizzie Fields: LIZ CALLAWAY. Danny Hooper: TODD GRAFF. Arlene MacNally: BETH FOWLER. Alan MacNally: JAMES CONGDON. Pam Sakarian: CATHERINE COX. Nick Sakarian: MARTIN VIDNOVIC. Nurse: Barbara Gilbert. Doctor: John Jellison. Mr. Weiss: Philip Hoffman. Dean Webber: Dennis Warning. Mr. Hart: Dennis Warning. Intern: Lon Hoyt. First Woman: Judith Thiergaard. Second Woman: Lisa Robinson. Third Woman: Kirsti Carnahan. Fourth Woman: Barbara Gilbert. Fifth Woman: Judith Thiergaard. Sixth Woman: Kim Criswell. People in the Town: Kirsti Carnahan, Kim Criswell, Barbara Gilbert, Philip Hoffman, Lon Hoyt, John Jellison, Lisa Robinson, Judith Thiergaard, Dennis Warning. Swings: Judith Bliss, Michael Waldron. SCENES AND SETTINGS: The action takes place at the present time from March until November. Act 1 Scene 1: A College Town. March to early April. Scene 2: Danny and Lizzie's Apartment. Early April. Scene 3: Alan and Arlene's Bedroom. Scene 4: Nick and Pam's Bedroom. Scene 5: A Doctor's Witing Room. Mid-April. Scene 6: The Track. Scene 7: On the Campus. Scene 8: A Doctor's Office. Early May. Scene 9: A Baseball Field. Scene 10: Alan and Arlene's Bedroom. Scene 11: A Bus Station. Mid-May. Scene 12: Alan and Arlene's House. Scene 13: Nick and Pam's Bedroom. Scene 14: Graduation. Early June. Scene 15: Danny and Lizzie's Apartment. Mid-July. Act 2 Scene 1: The Town. Late August. Scene 2: A Doctor's Office. Early September. Scene 3: On the Campus. Scene 4: Nick and Pam's Bedroom. Scene 5: Alan and Arlene's Porch.
Scene 6: Danny and Lizzie's Apartment. Mid-September. Scene 7: Nick and Pam's Bedroom. Mid-October. Scene 8: Alan and Arlene's Porch. Scene 9: All Three Bedrooms. Mid-November. MUSICAL NUMBERS: Act 1 1. We Start Today - Danny, Lizzie, Alan, Arlene, Nick, Pam, People in the Town 2. What Could Be Better? - Danny, Lizzie 3. The Plaza Song - Alan, Arlene 4. Baby, Baby, Baby - Nick, Pam, Alan, Arlene, Danny, Lizzie 5. I Want It All - Pam, Lizzie, Arlene 6. At Night She Comes Home to Me - 7. Patterns - Arlene 8. What Could Be Better? (reprise) - Danny, Lizzie 9. Fatherhood Blues - Danny, Alan, Nick, Mr. Weiss, Dean 10. Romance - Nick, Pam 11. I Chose Right - Danny 12. We Start Today (reprise) - Ensemble 13. The Story Goes On - Lizzie Act 2 14. The Ladies Singin' Their Song - Lizzie, the Women in the Town 15. Baby, Baby, Baby (reprise) - Arlene 16. Romance (reprise) - Nick, Pam 17. Easier to Love - Alan 18. Two People in Love - Danny, Lizzie 19. With You - Nick, Pam 20. And What If We Had Loved Like That - Alan, Arlene 21. We Start Today (reprise) - Danny, Lizzie, Nick, Pam, Alan, Arlene 22. The Story Goes On (reprise) - Company Original Broadway Cast Recording Baby: Vocal Selections
BABY, IT’S YOU A jukebox musical in 2 acts: written by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, featuring the music of the 1960s pop group, The Shirelles. Broadhurst Theatre, New York - 27 April, 2011. Closed 4th September, 2011. (33 previews, 148 perfs) SYNOPSIS Baby ft's You! Is inspired by the true story of Florence Greenberg, the woman who changed the recording world forever. Before Motown and the British Invasion, Greenberg took the male-dominated music industry by storm, revolutionising pop music and becoming the most influential and successful female record company president ever. After discovering one of the greatest girl-groups of all time, The Shirelles, at her daughter's high school, Greenberg packed the girls in her car, drove across the George Washington Bridge to New York City, and embarked on a trail blazing journey from New Jersey housewife to record mogul, creating the independent house of hits that was Scepter Records. MUSICAL NUMBERS Act I 1. Mr. Lee – Company 2. Book of Love – Company 3. Rockin' Robin – Company 4. Dance With Me – Company 5. Mama Said – Florence 6. Yakety Yak – Bernie 7. Get a Job – Stanley 8. The Stroll – Orchestra 9. I Met Him on a Sunday – Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 10. Dedicated to the One I Love – Florence, Stan, Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 11. Sixteen Candles – Florence 12. Tonight's the Night – Luther, Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 13. Dedicated to the One I Love (Reprise) – Florence and Stanley 14. Since I Don't Have You – Chuck Jackson 15. Big John – Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 16. He's So Fine – Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 17. Soldier Boy – Florence, Luther, Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 18. Dedicated to the One I Love (Reprise) – Shirley, Beverly, Doris, Micki, and Company Act II 19. Shout – Ron Isley, Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 20. Twist And Shout – Ron Isley, Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 21. Mama Said (Reprise) – Shirley, Beverly, Doris, Micki, Luther and Florence 22. Mr. Bassman – Johnny Cymbal and Bass Men 23. Duke of Earl – Gene Chandler, Shirley, Micki, Beverly and Doris 24. Foolish Little Girl – Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 25. It's My Party – Lesley Gore 26. Our Day Will Come – Ruby and The Romantics 27. The Dark End of the Street – Luther, Florence, Chuck Jackson and Shirley 28. Rhythm of the Rain – Stanley, Mary Jane and Florence
29. You're So Fine – Chuck Jackson, Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 30. Hey Paula – Chuck Jackson, Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 31. Louie, Louie – Kingsmen, Chuck Jackson, Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 32. You Really Got a Hold on Me – Chuck Jackson, Beverly, Shirley, Micki, Doris, Mary Jane and Florence 33. Baby It's You – Shirley, Beverly, Doris, Micki, Florence and Luther 34. Any Day Now – Chuck Jackson 35. A Thing of the Past – Beverly, Micki and Shirley 36. Don't Make Me Over – Dionne Warwick and Florence 37. Walk on By – Dionne Warwick, Florence and Luther 38. Baby It's You (Reprise) – Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 39. Tonight's the Night (Reprise) – Shirley, Beverly, Doris and Micki 40. Dedicated to the One I Love (Reprise) – Shirley, Beverly, Doris, Micki and Florence 41. I Say a Little Prayer – Company
BACK TO THE '80s A Musical in 2 Acts by Neil Gooding; additional material by Stuart Smith; revised orchestrations and arrangements by Brett Foster. Original musical adaptation by Scott Copeman SYNOPSIS Remember when actors became American Presidents? When Bubble skirts and blue eye shadow were cool? When Atari was cutting edge technology ? From the era that brought the world The Rubik's Cube, Max Headroom and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes this "totally awesome" musical in the style of movies such as Back To The Future, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Karate Kid and The Wedding Singer. Set in the USA,the story tells of the senior class of William Ocean High School that graduated in the 1980s, as remembered and seen through the eyes of Corey Palmer, who is now 30-something. The then 17-year-old Corey is madly in love with his next-door neighbour, Tiffany Houston, one of the coolest girls in the school. However, she barely notices this, as she is too busy mooning over Michael Feldman, the hottest guy around. Michael and his friends are athletic and good-looking - the kind of guys that Corey and his two best friends dream of being. However, while they may not be the coolest guys in school, they are still one up on Feargal McFerrin III, whose best friend is his computer, and who believes the crazy notion that one day CDs will replace cassette tapes. The year commences with Class President Elections: Michael steals Corey's election speech, and when he uses his ideas and promises the girls a kiss for a vote, he becomes President, with Tiffany as his Vice-President. Corey is left looking on despairingly. During the year, several new students arrive at the school - Mel and Kim Easton (the all-singing, all-dancing twin cheerleaders) and Eileen Reagan, whose life becomes a nightmare when Michael and his gang start to send her fake love letters. Will Eileen ever make new friends at William Ocean High School? Will Tiffany ever see the evil side of Michael? Meanwhile the teachers are having problems of their own. Mr Cocker, after being in a relationship for two years with the apparently conservative English teacher, Miss Sheena Brannigan, confiscates an old swimsuit catalogue from a student, only to discover that his girlfriend is the centrefold. How will he cope? Will their relationship be able to survive this hurdle? Throw in a Star Wars dream sequence, high-energy dance routines, the obligatory 80s party scene, copious amounts of blue eye-shadow, twenty cans of hairspray, as well as some of the most popular songs ever written, and the result is a musical that will not only delight and amuse an audience of any age, but will also inspire any young cast. Will Corey finally get the girl of his dreams? Will the Prom night be a success? Will Feargal McFerrin III ever get a date? To find out all these answers and many more… All you have to do is take a journey…Back to the 80s! THE STORY Act I It is the early 2000s and the main character Corey Snr. is telling the story of his Senior Year at William Ocean High School. On the first day of senior year, the math teacher, Mr. Cocker, and the senior student co-ordinator, Ms. Brannigan, welcome the students to the school with an assembly. They announce that elections for senior school president will be held the next Friday. Young Corey Palmer is running, with his best friends Alf Bueller and Kirk Keaton running as his VPs. Running alongside them are Micheal Feldman, the hottest, most
popular boy at school, his VPs being his friend Tiffany Houston and Cyndi Gibson, a cheerleader who is very popular with the boys. Also in the running is Feargal McFerrin III, the school nerd, backed by his VPs Laura Wilde and Debbie Fox. From the attention he garners from the female student population, it is clear the Michael is in the lead to win. After the assembly, Corey seeks out Tiffany Houston, his lifelong neighbor whom he has been in love with since they were children. Tiffany is nice and friendly towards Corey, but is oblivious to his feelings for her. Instead, Tiffany admits to Corey that she likes Michael. Cyndi enters and introduces her friends Melanie and Kimberly Easton, or Mel & Kim as they prefer to be called. They are twins who are Cyndi’s friends from dance class. They immediately fit in with the popular kids, unlike Corey, who slinks away dejected. Cyndi introduces Mel and Kim to the popular boys, and plans to set the two of them up with Huey and Lionel. The popular kids, led by Tiffany, talk about their summer vacation, the girls talking about how they got home late from many parties, irritating their parents (“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”) while the guys, led by Michael, talk about how they spent all summer working, Michael saving up to buy a car (“Footloose”). After school, Corey, Alf and Kirk begin work on an election campaign. Tiffany tells Corey that her team is having trouble with getting Michael to actually focus on creating a campaign. As they are working, Feargal enters, dictating that in the 1990s, technology will advance. He is thoroughly mocked. Corey then reveals his election plan to Alf and Kirk - a concert, similar to that of the Live Aid concerts, to help fund the school prom. However, after a small scuffle, Michael Feldman and Billy Arnold, together with Lionel Astley and Huey Jackson, end up stealing Corey’s concert idea without his knowledge. On election day, Michael recruits the cheerleaders to help make his presentation extra flashy (“Mickey”). He takes the stand and pitches the concert idea to the student body. Everyone reacts positively to the idea (“Michael’s Election Rap”). Corey is next up to pitch his campaign, but with his only idea stolen, he bombs his presentation. Feargal, Laura and Debbie are next up, and Feargal’s pitch includes the advance of technology, informing the students (to their horror) that CDs will replace cassette tapes (“Video Killed the Radio Star”). The election commences and Michael wins by a landslide. Corey Snr. takes the stage again to tell the audience about how, after election day, he started having nightmares. Corey Jnr., Kirk and Alf are all hanging out at Corey’s place, and strike up conversation about Feargal’s presentation. They all agree that the things they love from the 1980s, like Star Wars and the Atari, will be around forever. Kirk and Alf leave when Corey starts getting ready for bed. He falls asleep, and dreams of a world in which he is a Luke Skywalker character, and Tiffany is his Princess Leia. They dance together, madly in love, before Darth Vader enters, stealing Tiffany away. Darth Vader reveals himself as Michael. Corey wakes in a cold sweat (“Glory of love”) Halfway through the school year, a new girl by the name of Eileen Reagan comes to the school. She is taunted by Cyndi for liking the band Air Supply, but is fast friends with Laura and Debbie, who lie about their multiple boyfriends, telling Eileen that they are on “business” in Miami (“Let’s Hear It For The Boy”). After class, Mr. Cocker surprises Ms. Brannigan with flowers for their one-year anniversary. Mr. Cocker wants to be more open about their relationship, but Ms. Brannigan wants to stay professional at school. Just as they are about to kiss, Laura and Debbie run in, alerting Mr. Cocker that Feargal is being beat up by two junior girls. Before leaving to go help, Mr. Cocker sets a date with Ms. Brannigan. At lunch, Corey is preparing himself to ask Tiffany out. Unbeknownst to him, Michael is preparing to do the same. They compete for her affection (“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”). Tiffany chooses Michael, telling Corey that she sees him as a brother. Corey Snr. enters the stage, reminiscing on how hurt he was (“You Give Love A Bad Name”). After lunch, Michael, Huey, Lionel and Billy slip a fake love letter into Eileen’s locker. In another part of the school, Mr. Cocker has confiscated a dirty magazine from Huey. Huey tells his friends that he found the magazine in his dad’s cupboard, and it is from the 1970s. They laugh together, and Huey jokes that Mr. Cocker is probably in his office “having a perve”. While looking through the magazine, Mr. Cocker recognizes one of the models as Ms. Brannigan. He confronts her about it, and she admits that she did pose for the magazine when she was 18. Mr. Cocker is angry that she never told him, and refuses to see her (“You Give Love A Bad Name (Reprise)”).
Michael has forgotten about the concert idea that helped get him elected, and so Corey steps up, asking Mr. Cocker if he can put on the concert. Mr. Cocker agrees, and calls an assembly where he announces the concert will commence, under Corey’s direction. At first, the students are unenthused, but with some urging from the faculty, they eventually come around (“Man In The Mirror”). Act II The concert is a huge success, with the cast lined up in full 1980s garb to sing to their parents (“We are the World”). Corey’s parents are away in Indianapolis, so he throws a huge party at his house (“Dancing on the ceiling”). It is there that Mr. Cocker officially ends things with Ms. Brannigan. The whole party is ruined when Corey’s parents come home early, and Corey is grounded. After the student body scatters from the scene, Corey begins cleaning up. Outside his house, he accidentally interrupts Michael and Tiffany kissing. Ms. Brannigan returns to fetch her sweater. She and Corey share a moment of shared disappointment at having lost their loves (“Total Eclipse Of The Heart”). Back at school, Michael, Huey, Billy and Lionel continue sending Eileen fake love letters. Feargal has taken up Karate from the unseen groundskeeper, Mr. Miyagi. Prom is fast approaching, and everyone is anxious to find a date. Eileen finds another letter in her locker, this one actually signed by Michael, which states that he is in love with her. The girls, overjoyed, celebrate (“Walking On Sunshine”). The boys continue placing letters in her locker. Tiffany, Cyndi, Mel and Kim are gossiping about the boys. They are all getting cars, but Kim tells the girls that Michael’s car is nothing to be seen. Michael shows up in his new car, along with Huey, Billy and Lionel. Corey tries to compete with Michael’s new car with his two-seater bike, but to no avail (“Get Outta My Dreams (Get Into My Car)”). Before class, Ms. Brannigan attempts to talk to Mr. Cocker because she misses him, but Mr. Cocker cannot get over the magazine incident. He goes to teach his class but becomes distracted by the memory of the picture, and in his head, the class starts to taunt him (“Centerfold”). After school, Eileen reads from one of Michael’s letters what Michael is really saying to Tiffany (“Lost In Your Eyes”). Billy has recruited some girls to help him ask Cyndi to the prom (“Never Gonna Give You Up”), but Cyndi coldly rejects him, telling the story to her friends later on (“Material Girl”). As Michael and his gang are putting another letter into Eileen’s locker, Eileen, Laura and Debbie stumble upon them. The girls mistakenly believe that Michael has come to ask Eileen to prom, but Michael and Huey tell them the truth in the most cruel way possible. Laura and Debbie take a sobbing Eileen away. Tiffany, having seen the whole thing, angrily breaks up with Michael in front of the whole school. Michael and his gang tries to leave the scene, but Feargal stops them, demanding they go apologize to Eileen immediately. They refuse, and Michael engages Feargal in a fight, causing Feargal to get a bloody nose. Then, Mr. Miyagi, in Feargal’s head, guides him through what to do, and he beats Michael to the ground in front of Huey, Billy and Lionel. In the schoolyard, Eileen is sobbing by herself. Corey enters and starts trying to comfort her. She confesses that she feels that she does not fit in. She thought that she had found her place, but now she knows that everyone has been laughing at her behind the back. Corey calls over Alf and Kirk, and together the three of them assure Eileen that she is well-liked, and that Michael and his gang are the only jerks (“Come On Eileen/ Don’t Worry, Be Happy”). Kirk and Alf reveal that Feargal defended Eileen from Michael, and Eileen happily runs off to thank him, followed by Alf and Kirk. Tiffany enters, praising Corey for being supportive of Eileen. She confesses that she wants to go to prom with him, but thinks he’s going with Eileen. Corey tells her that he turned down every invitation he got because he did not want to go with anyone but her. Before the prom, Mr. Cocker and Ms. Brannigan make up and resolve their differences. At the prom, the students enjoy the band (“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Reprise)”). The popular boys (Huey, Billy and Lionel) go to prom with the popular girls (Cyndi, Mel and Kim), however, Michael is left without a date. The students begin to dance together, Corey and Tiffany together at last (“{I’ve Had} The Time Of My Life”). Corey Snr. comes back out to tell the audience where everyone in his class ended up (see below). He recalls his high school memories fondly, and leaves the stage, telling his younger self to have fun.
INSTRUMENTATION: Drums ; Electric Bass Guitar ; Electric Guitar ; Keyboard 1(Fender Rhodes GM 4, Halo Pad GM 94, Rock Organ GM 18, Bass + Lead Synth GM 87, ElectricGrand Piano GM 2, Piano GM 1, Clavi GM 7, Pad 6 (Metalic) GM 93, Clav/Electric Rhodes GM 4,FX4 (Atmosphere) GM 99, Hammond Organ GM 17, Synth Strings 2 GM 51) ; Keyboard 2 (Vibraphone GM 11, Square Wave GM 80, Synth Brass GM 62, Rock Organ GM 18, FX4(Atmosphere) GM 99, String Ensemble 1 GM 48, New Age/Soft Pad GM 88, Piano GM 1, Bass +Lead GM 87, Hammond Organ GM 17, Synth Strings 2 GM 51, Piano GM 4, Synth Strings 2 GM 50) ; Reed 2 Alto Sax and/or Tenor Sax ( *Alto and Tenor Sax parts are interchangeable. In other words, there is only 1 reed player, that can play alto sax, tenor sax, or a combination of both.) ; Trombone ; Trumpet (in Bb) CAST Show Cast Size: Large (over 20) ( Men/ Women): Chorus Size: Medium : Show Dance Required: • COREY PALMER (SENIOR) - The narrator of the show. Corey Snr is pushing 30, living in the year 2000, and reminiscing about the 80s (his school days), and his love for Tiffany Houston. • COREY PALMER (JUNIOR) - He is 17 and in his Senior Year. A very likeable, very ordinary American teenager. • ALF BUELLER - One of Corey Junior’s two best friends. A likeable teenager, only just coming out of childhood. • KIRK KEATON - Corey’s other best friend. Corey, Alf and Kirk are very close, but they are rather naïve, particularly about women. • TIFFANY HOUSTON - One of the group of girls that “Just Wanna Have Fun”. A cute, bubbly teenage female from the 80s, innocent, naïve and doe-eyed about boys and love – aspiring to be Cyndi Lauper and Madonna rolled into one. • CYNDI GIBSON - One of Tiffany’s best friends. More street-smart than Tiffany, Cyndi knows that boyfriends are a passport to attention and presents. • MEL EASTON - Another one of the inner click of “The Cool Girls”. An all-singing, all-dancing party girl. • KIM EASTON - The twin sister of Mel – although for ease of casting, they will probably be fraternal, not identical. • MICHAEL FELDMAN - The coolest guy in the school. The girls all fall at his feet. A car-driving, Fonziestyled football star. Has the romantic attention of all the girls, but particularly Tiffany Houston (who Corey just happens to be in love with.) • BILLY ARNOLD - One of Michael Feldman’s posse. Another popular, good-looking, athletic guy. The kind of person that every 17 year old wants to be (particularly if they are not popular, good-looking or athletic!!) • LIONEL ASTLEY - Lionel is fairly similar to Billy. Not quite as cool as the others, but because he is in the group, the girls put up with him anyway. • HUEY JACKSON - The final guy to round out the group of Michael Feldman’s friends. Not much else to be said - big hair, wears clothes that were cool at the time, but now just look like fluorescent mismatches of colour. • FEARGAL McFERRIN - The school nerd. • EILEEN REAGAN - The new arrival, charming, full of life and vitality – and a dreamer who lovingly longs for the day when she has a boyfriend. • LAURA WILDE - One of the girls that adopts Eileen into their group when she arrives at the school. • DEBBIE FOX - Laura’s best friend. Both girls have trouble distinguishing between reality (i.e. that they have had no boyfriends) and fantasy (that they are married to Neil Patrick Harris). • MS SHEENA BRANNIGAN - The only female teacher at the school to be seen. Around 30, and the Senior Students Co-ordinator. Outwardly reserved, very friendly and slightly conservative. What noone knows is that at 18 she posed nude for Hustler. She has an on again, off again relationship with Mr Cocker. • MR STEVIE COCKER - The Deputy Principal and maths teacher at William Ocean High School. One of
only two teachers who will appear in the show. Stevie sees a future together with Sheena, but has major problems when he discovers he is dating a former centrefold (even though she is now a respectable, conservative English teacher.) • MR MIYAGI - The sometimes talked about but never seen Japanese Teacher at the school. OTHER ROLES FEATURED MALE SINGER FEATURED FEMALE SINGER BILLY’S BACKUP SINGERS MUSICAL NUMBERS 1. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - (Wham!) - Featured Male Singer, 3 Female Backing Singers 2. Kids In America (Kim Wilde) - Featured Female Singer, Full Student Ensemble 3. Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper) - Tiffany / Cyndi / Mel / Kim, Female Student Ensemble 4. Footloose (Kenny Loggins) - Michael Billy / Huey / Lionel - BV Male Student Ensemble 5. Mickey (Toni Basil) - Tiffany / Cyndi / Mel / Kim 6. Michael's Election Rap (Neil Gooding) - Michael 7. Video Killed The Radio Star - (The Buggles) - Feargal, Laura / Debbie - BV 8. Glory Of Love (Peter Cetera) - Corey Jnr, Featured Male Singers 9. Glory Of Love - (Scene Change) Instrumental 10. Let's Hear It For the Boy (Deneice Williams) - Laura / Debbie / Eileen 11. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) (The Proclaimers) - Corey Jnr / Michael 12. You Give Love A Bad Name (Bon Jovi) - Corey Snr 13. You Give Love A Bad Name (Reprise) (Bon Jovi) - Mr Cocker 14. Man In The Mirror (Michael Jackson) - Mr Cocker / Miss Brannigan, Full Student Ensemble 15. We Are the World (USA For Africa) - Full Student Ensemble 16. Love Shack (The B-52's) - Corey Jnr, Featured Female Singer, Lionel, Full Student Ensemble 17. Love Shack (Reprise) - Full Student Ensemble, Lionel 18. Total Eclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler) - Corey Jnr, Miss Brannigan 19. Nine To Five (Dolly Parton) - Kim / Mel / Cyndi / Tiffany 20. Walking On Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves) - Eileen, Laura / Debbie - BV 21. Get Outta My Dreams (Get Into My Car) (Billy Ocean) - Michael / Tiffany, Ensemble 22. Centerfold (J. Geils Band) - Mr Cocker, Full Student Ensemble 23. Lost in Your Eyes (Debbie Gibson) - Eileen / Tiffany 24. Never Gonna Give You Up (Rick Astley) - Billy, 3 Female Backup Singers 25. Material Girl (Madonna) - Cyndi, Male Ensemble 26. Eye Of The Tiger - Instrumental 27. Eye Of The Tiger - (Reprise) - Instrumental 28. Eye Of The Tiger - (Scene Change) Instrumental 29. Don't Worry, Be Happy / Come on Eileen (Bobby McFerrin / Dexy's Midnight Runners) - Corey Jnr / Kirk / Alf 30. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go (Reprise) (Wham!) - Featured Male Singer 31. (I've Had) The Time of My Life (Bill Medley / Jennifer Warnes) - Corey Jnr / Tiffany. Miss Brannigan / Mr Cocker, Feargal / Eileen 32. Back To The 80's Megamix! 33. (Encore / Bows) - Full EnsembleFull Ensemble
BACKBEAT Musical in 2 acts. Stage adaptation co-written by Iain Softley and Stephen Jeffreys based on the 1994 film of the same name Duke of York’s Theatre, London - 24 September, 2011 – 18 February 2012. Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto - 21 July 2012 – 2 September 2012. Ahmanson Theater, Los Angeles - 16 January 2013 – 24 February 2013. SYNOPSIS A musical stage adaptation of Iain Softley's 1994 film. Charting the rise of the 20th century's most iconic pop group from it's original line-up, the stage adaptation is co-written by Iain Softley and Stephen Jeffreys - after premiering in Glasgow in February 2010, the show is now coming the London. Backbeat tells the early story of The Beatles, when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe embarked on their journey from the famous docks of Liverpool to search for success in the seedy red light district of Hamburg. The compelling triangular relationship between the band's original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, the striking German photographer Astrid Kirchherr whom he fell in love with, and his best friend John Lennon, became an intrinsic part of The Beatles' story – and put them on an unstoppable trajectory onto the world stage. CAST John Lennon Astrid Kirchherr Paul Mccartney George Harrison Pete Best Tony Sheridan Ringo Starr Klaus Voorman Arthur Ballard Bert Kaempfert George Martin MUSICAL NUMBERS 1. (I’m A) Road Runner 2. Slow Down 3. Money 4. Bad Boy 5. Johnny B. Goode 6. You Really Got a Hold on Me 7. Please Please Me 8. Good Golly Miss Molly 9. Long Tall Sally 10. Twenty Flight Rock 11. My Bonnie 12. Please Mr. Postman 13. Twist and Shout 14. Rock and Roll Music 15. Love Me Do 16. Medley: Blue Moon of Kentucky / (We’re Gonna Hang Out) The Washing on the Siegfried Line / [How Much Is That] Doggie in the Window 17. P.S. I Love You 18. I Want to Hold Your Hand 19. I Saw Her Standing There 20. Stuart Theme 21. A Taste of Honey 22. Shadows 23. Astrid Theme
BAD DAY AT BLACK FROG CREEK by John Gardiner and Fiz Coleman SYNOPSIS One Christmas Eve, the Muldoon Mob arrive in Black Frog Creek, bent on retrieving the diamond which saloon-keeper Lil has had cemented into one of her teeth. They get the diamond, only to be foiled yet again by Filthy Frank. The play may be adapted quite simply to suit any period of celebration - not just Christmas. Approximate playing time 90 minutes. CAST: M5 F4. Extras • Diamond Tooth Lil • Big Brad • Angel Delight • Yipee Brown • Old Ma Treacle • No Nose Muldoon • Dumbo Dawson • Hairy Hannah • Filthy Frank Chisholm • Black Frog Citizens Setting: A saloon Alternative Shadows poster
BAD GIRLS - the MUSICAL A Musical in 2 Acts. Book by Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus. Music and lyrics by Kath Gotts. Based on the popular ITV1 prison drama series, Bad Girls, Garrick Theatre, London. Previews from 16th August, 2007. Opened 12th September 2007; Closed 17th November, 2007. SYNOPSIS Bad Girls – The Musical takes as its starting point the original core characters from the first three series of Bad Girls on TV. Set in the fictional HMP Larkhall, it’s the story of new idealistic Wing Governor Helen Stewart and her battles with the entrenched old guard of Officer Jim Fenner and his sidekick Sylvia Hollamby. It also follows the love story that develops between Helen and charismatic inmate Nikki Wade. Other featured characters include Shell Dockley and her runner Denny Blood, old-timer Noreen Biggs, The Two Julies and the ultimate Top Dog, King-of-Gangland’s missus, Yvonne Atkins. A tragic death on the wing – in which Jim Fenner is implicated – leads to an angry protest from the women and forces Helen and Nikki to their opposite sides of the bars. But when it’s clear that Helen stands to lose her job over Jim Fenner’s misdeeds, the race is on for the women to nail Jim once and for all. The Number One likes a quiet life and has always felt that the “old boys network” is the best way of sorting things out to his satisfaction. The appointment of Helen Stewart as Wing Governor has been imposed upon him and grudgingly accepted. But it wouldn’t take much briefing against her for him to recommend her swift removal from Larkhall. MUSICAL NUMBERS 1. I Shouldn't Be Here 2. Guardian Angel 3. Jailcraft 4. One Moment 5. Life of Grime 6. A List 7. The Key 8. That's the Way It Is 9. Freedom Road 10. The Future Is Bright 11. Sorry 12. Every Night 13. All Banged Up 14. The Baddest & the Best 15. First Lady 16. Baddest & the Best Reprise 17. This Is My Life CAST Yvonne Atkins Yvonne’s as tough as nails; a working-class girl made rich through gangland boss Charlie’s criminal gains. She’s intimidating, ruthless and glamorous. When she arrives at Larkhall she makes a huge impression on the other women and wastes no time in taking over the Top Dog position from Shell Dockley. She’s also warm and generous and a force for good against G-Wing’s bullies – officers and inmates alike. Nikki Wade Most of the inmates on G-Wing look up to Nikki. Before her conviction Nikki used to run a nightclub with her girlfriend. She’s intelligent and street-wise with a strong sense of natural justice because of the injustice she herself has suffered. She’s no one’s fool and she easily sees through the likes of corrupt officer Jim Fenner. But she doesn’t always help her own case by being too quick to fly off the handle.
Denny Blood Despite her tough exterior, Denny’s upbringing has left her desperate for love and attention, making her very easy to manipulate – and that’s something Shell Dockley is expert at doing. Denny is Shell’s “fixer” and not being the sharpest knife in the drawer she’s always willing to do Shell’s bidding without question. One day, however, she’s going to have to find a voice of her own… Shel Dockley Before sentencing Shell to life, the judge presiding over her trial described her as “evil personified”, a tag she never has a problem living up to. Whether it’s taxing another inmate for her drugs stash or the intimidation of a weaker prisoner, Shell displays an equal amount of cunning and ruthlessness to get her own way. She considers herself Jim Fenner’s right-hand woman and trades on the special privileges she gets for “services rendered”. Justin Mattison Justin is a new junior officer, a fresh young puppy dog who really does want to do good, and thinks that Helen is absolutely perfect, not only as Wing Governor, but maybe even something more... Bursting with integrity and rather shy, Justin is easily teased by the older women prisoners in particular. But as he firmly tells Yvonne, “if you want to screw a screw, you’ve picked the wrong one”. Noreen Biggs Recidivist old-timer Noreen regularly gets itchy fingers in the shops and can’t resist the thrill of picking up a few treats. As time’s gone on she’s more at home in prison than anywhere else and she’s been round the system so many times she knows exactly how to play it to her advantage. Noreen loves a “bit of bother” and is always ready to stoke a fight from the sidelines. Crystal Gordon As a bible-bashing Christian, Crystal often takes a critical view of her fellow inmates and believes that the prison regime is too soft – especially where drugs are concerned. She can be self-righteous and totally blind to her own self-contradictions and often comical as a result. But at heart she’s a kind and caring person who does believe in standing up for what’s right. Sylvia Hollomby As far as Sylvia is concerned “happiness is door-shaped” and it would make her life a hell of a lot easier if prisoners were just kept locked in their cells 24/7. She admires Jim Fenner immensely, and shares his conviction that the Wing Governor job should have gone to him instead of to Helen Stewart. She is, however, blind to the full extent of Jim’s misdemeanours with the prisoners, and would be genuinely shocked if she knew. Rachel Hicks When Rachel arrives at Larkhall as a first time offender she’s scared and isolated and distraught about the fact that her baby has been taken into care. She’s got “victim” written all over her and is easy prey for prison bully Shell Dockley. She naively trusts Jim Fenner to look after her, but soon discovers that his “special attention” isn’t quite the sort of protection she had imagined. Jim Fenner Jim’s a man who likes to run things in prison his own way, rather than by the book, and he’ll use whatever means necessary. He can easily justify his “pastoral” role with prisoners; the women have come on strong to him, he’s got what they need and he’s happy to give it to them. So where’s the harm? His unholy alliance with Shell Dockley keeps him in the picture about what’s happening on the wing as well as providing some “on the job” recreation. Helen Stewart As a graduate ‘fast-tracker’, Helen is held in contempt by old hands such as Fenner and Hollamby who both firmly believe that there is no substitute for experience and “jailcraft”. She’s idealistic and genuinely
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU3MzQ=