 Tom Brown's Schooldays
A musical in 2 acts by Jack and Joan Maitland; based on the
novel by Thomas Hughes: Music by Chris Andrews. Originally
produced as an amateur musical at the Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
6 November, 1971 as Young Tom.
Cambridge Theatre, London 9th May, 1972 (76 perfs)
Synopsis
Squire Brown insists that his son Tom has been too much pampered
at home by Petticoat Government. Mrs Brown regrets that her son
is being sent to board at Rugby School, insisting that she likes
her children around. Arriving at Rugby, a somewhat despondent Tom
is greeted by pupils who suggest ways of keeping his spirits up.
He is met by the friendly East who advises him to get involved with
school activities and join in where he can. The school bully, Flashman,
insists that the boys obey him.
Below stairs, the porter Obadiah and his girlfriend Margery dream
of owning their own farm, or just a smallholding, something that
will provide for their needs and get them away from the school.
The matron of Rugby, Mary Penrose, is engaged to one of the masters,
Mr Bird, but their relationship is an uneasy one. She wonders when
the right person will turn up.
Dr Arnold, the headmaster of Rugby, is impressed by Tom when he
refuses to 'tell' on Flashman. Visiting the chapel, Arnold ponders
the question as to what makes a man? Bravely resisting Flashman's
cruelty, Tom declares himself and his intentions towards life.
The next term starts with a rugger game. Three of the teachers
feel a need for a disciplined approach to education. Dressing the
rugby wounds, Mary wonders what it would be like if she had a son.
Tom's strength grows, and he sees a boy's point of view. Troubled
by the tensions at his school, Dr Arnold prays to be given a vision
of youth.
Obadiah and Margery have a lark educating their children and dreaming
of their Warwickshire home. A group of gipsies teach Tom the story
of The ballad of the Great White Horse. Tom vanquishes Flashman.
Mary realises that Dr Arnold is her man. The whole school celebrates
the success of young Tom.
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