WORZEL GUMMIDGE
Book and lyrics by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall: Music by Denis King; Based on the characters created by Barbara Euphan Todd
Cambridge Theatre, London - 18 December, 1981
Synopsis
Following the successful television series based on Barbara Euphan Todd's children's classic, Keith Waterhouse, Willis Hall and Denis King bring us a new, effervescent stage musical of the story of Worzel Gummidge. The naughty, petulant, greedy, yet always lovable scarecrow is here with all the familiar characters: Aunt Sally, Sergeant Beetroot and Sue and John. Brought to life by the Crowman, Worzel creates havoc and farce wherever he goes in his frenzied efforts to win Aunt Sally's unwilling hand until he finds himself before the scarecrow court on a very serious charge. But the final resolution is a happy one with a birthday cake enormous enought to satisfy even Worzel's appetite!
This version enjoyed a very successful run in the West End of London at the Cambridge Theatre, starring Jon Pertwee and Una Stubbs.
Musical Numbers:
- The Scarecrow Hymn
- In the Country
- One 'ead an' an 'ead
- Aunt Sally's Song
- Why Should She Choose a Scarecrow?
- Chase Him
- A Slice o' Cake an' a Cup o' Tea
- It'll Suit Us
- Scarecrow Day
- Make Yorself a Friend
- We'll Be There
- He Is Guilty!
- It's Me Birthday
- 'It is an enchanting evening crammed with memorable songs and still more memorable characters. And it holds its audience-both adults and the youngest of children-enthralled." Evening Standard
- "A show sparkling with all the good things the Spirit of theatre can heap upon you. An original story, a witty Script, recognizable characters ... and yes, magic." Daily Mail
- "With this show, Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, backed by some smart, snappy tunes from Denis King, have succeded in accomplishing something that looked impossible. They have built a family musical of comic charm, vivacity and a sort of battered elegance from the adventures of a scarecrow" Daily Express
The Cast: M 12 (doubling possible) F4, 1 boy, 1 girl. Extras
The Scenes:
Various interior and exterior settings
NB: There are no orchestral parts available
