THE
MUSICAL
Presentation Evening: Sunday 4th June at 5.30pm.
Auditions: Tuesday 20th June at 7.30pm
Performances: Week commencing Monday 30th October
I am really excited to be writing to you all with news of the show that will be my directorial debut. That show is the
musical adaptation of The Railway Children by Julian Woolford and Richard John, and is based on the novel by E.
Nesbit. I am even more thrilled to announce that I will be joined by Mr Mitre himself, Uncle Colin Warnock, who
will put everyone through their musical paces in the role of Musical Director – hoorah! So, a little more about the
piece…
A Superb adaptation for the musical stage of E. Nesbit’s quintessentially English classic. An idyllic Edwardian family
Christmas is interrupted by a knock at the door and a family’s life is changed forever. Father is wrongfully arrested
and Mother and the three children, Roberta (Bobbie), Peter and Phyllis, are forced to move to the country.
Discovering a railway near their new house is just the beginning of a series of adventures set over one long summer.
Julian Woolford’s and Richard John’s musical brings a masterful emotional depth to this rite of passage story,
developing from youthful passion for adventure to an adult sense of responsibility, whilst featuring heartfelt
ballads, stirring choral numbers and tuneful melodies.
What really excites me about this show is the challenge that it brings for everyone; the many strong lead
characters, the multitude of support and cameo roles within a busy ensemble, the variety of musical styles
(including some beautiful harmonies) and, of course, how could any Mitre Player resist the opportunity to turn the
Clubhouse into a working railway station, steam engines and all!!
Character Breakdown
All ages are very approximate playing ages and there is certainly scope for additional ensemble. The more the
merrier I say!
Perks - 30-40. The stationmaster. A jolly, friendly sort with no nonsense about him. Narrates the show and leads a
couple of the company numbers. Large singing part.
Father - 40-50. A family man with authority, who works for the government. Small singing part. Could double up.
Mother - 35-45. A strong, creative woman with bundles of love for her 3 children. Very large singing and acting
part.
Peter - 10-13. A playful boy. Sometimes mischievous, but sensitive and protective of his 2 sisters. Medium singing
part.
Bobbie - 15-17. The eldest of the 3 children. An extremely thoughtful and caring girl who always stands up for what
she believes is right. The audience sees Bobbie ‘grow’ and mature throughout the show. Very large singing part.
Phyllis - 12-15. A kind, trusting girl who looks up to her older sister and sometimes tries to act older than she is.
Tends to speak before she thinks. Large singing part.
Dr Forrest - 30-50. The local doctor. A friendly gentleman. Non-singing part.
Old Gentleman - 60-70. An enigmatic figure. An important man with considerable influence but a kind and
generous nature. Large part with singing.
Colin, Elsie, Ginger and Patch - Perks’ children. Grubby and cheeky. Variety of ages. Singing parts.
Szczepansky - 30+. Russian writer who has escaped being held captive. Must be able to perform with a Russian
accent (or similar!). Some singing.
Engine driver - Cameo. Singing part.
Jim - 15-17. Grammar school boy who is saved by the railway children and captures Bobbie’s heart. Non-singing
part.
Mrs Ransom and Gert - Ladies who live in the village.
There are other roles which also have small solo parts in the show such as Londoners, customers, maids and
villagers.
As you can see, within the show there are both singing and non-singing parts available – so opportunities for all,
and please don't be put off by the ages listed – they are only there as a guide and there are various ways that all of
the characters mentioned could be played! Please feel free to contact me on 07875 299399 or at
[email protected] if you want more details of a particular part.
I intend to have lots of fun with this production, and it really is a beautiful show, which is faithful to the original,
even including those famous words, “Daddy, my Daddy!!” …. There won't be a dry eye in the house. To find out
more about the characters, set, costumes and to have the opportunity to listen to some of the beautiful songs,
please do come along to the presentation evening at the Clubhouse on Sunday 4th June. The bar will also be open,
so a great excuse for a good-old catch up!
Auditions will be held on Tuesday 20th June (also at the clubhouse), and Uncle Colin and myself will give more
information about what will be required from you in your audition at the presentation evening. If you can't make
the audition date, fear not – just let me know and we can slot you in at another time that suits you.
Rehearsals will start at the beginning of September and will be held at the Clubhouse as will the performances
(week commencing Monday 30th October).
Looking forward to seeing you on 4th June.
Megan Brown x
The small print
Presentation Evening: Sunday 4th June at 5.30pm. TSSSC Clubhouse
Auditions:
Tuesday 20th June at 7.30pm. TSSSC Clubhouse
Rehearsals start: September at 7.30pm. TSSSC Clubhouse, continue on Sundays, Mondays & Thursdays
Performances: Week commencing 30th October. TSSSC Clubhouse
To audition for the play you must be either a Patron or Member for 2017 – This can be paid on the night of the
auditions. There will be a performance fee of £15.00.
Please bring your diary to auditions so an (un)availability chart can be generated
Please contact me on either 07875 299399 or at [email protected] if you want further details or would
like to audition but are unavailable on 4th/20th June
There will be another letter nearer the time with a few more details of the audition format etc.