Pickwick
An amateur production by arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD
Based on Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club by Charles Dickens
Book by Wolf Manowitz
Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Music by Cyril Ornadel
Producer/Choreographer Denise Robinson
Musical Director Ben Batt
Assisted by Michael Cotton as Rehearsal Accompanist
There isn't a jollier show anywhere than this musical
version of " The Pickwick Papers".
It exactly catches the cheerful and good-hearted spirit of the tubby Gentleman with the round glasses who is its hero.
The well-loved story, the tuneful music and witty lyrics provide a recipe that can't fail to delight audiences. The famous "If I Ruled the World" is just one of a host of strong numbers, and there is plenty for the chorus and dancers to do.
It is England, the year 1828 in the Fleet, a debtor's prison, Mr. Samuel Pickwick and his 'Gentleman's Gentleman' Sam Weller are reminiscing on the adventures that led to their imprisonment.
It was Christmas Eve 1827 in the courtyard of Mrs. Bardell's inn the "George and Vulture", and Pickwick greets his old friend Wardle and his family, daughters Emily and Isabella and their maiden aunt Rachel. He introduces them to his fellow members of the Pickwick Club, the poetic snodgrass, the sporting Winkle and Tupman, the romantic.
Enter the wily Jingle who, before long, has tricked the innocent Tupman into paying for his ticket to the ball that night. Here, discovering that Rachel is an heiress, Jingle sets about courting her, thereby spoiling Tupman's chances and landing Winkle in a pretty pickle!
The next morning Pickwick returns to his rooms to discover the ebullient Sam striking up a 'friendship' with the new maid Mary. After some thought he decides to hire Sam as his Gentleman's Gentleman. Unfortunately, when he seeks Sam's release as Boot Black, Mrs. Bardell mistakes the request for a proposal of marriage and Pickwick finds himself in a compromising position!
Winkle, having slept through the ball, is surprised to receive a challenge to a duel. When the affair is happily resolved the Pickwickians and the Wardle family go skating; there they discover Rachel has succumbed to Jingle's flattery and run off with him, and Pickwick is presented with a writ for Breach of Promise. They follow the runaways to Eatanswill where Pickwick succeeds in buying Jingle off. Pickwick's next call is to the offices of Dodson and Fogg where he learns some hard truths about the law. In the Court room, sgt. Buzfuz so ably states Mrs. Bardell's case that Pickwick is found guilty with damages; after refusing to pay he finds himself in the fleet ...where we came in!
It exactly catches the cheerful and good-hearted spirit of the tubby Gentleman with the round glasses who is its hero.
The well-loved story, the tuneful music and witty lyrics provide a recipe that can't fail to delight audiences. The famous "If I Ruled the World" is just one of a host of strong numbers, and there is plenty for the chorus and dancers to do.
It is England, the year 1828 in the Fleet, a debtor's prison, Mr. Samuel Pickwick and his 'Gentleman's Gentleman' Sam Weller are reminiscing on the adventures that led to their imprisonment.
It was Christmas Eve 1827 in the courtyard of Mrs. Bardell's inn the "George and Vulture", and Pickwick greets his old friend Wardle and his family, daughters Emily and Isabella and their maiden aunt Rachel. He introduces them to his fellow members of the Pickwick Club, the poetic snodgrass, the sporting Winkle and Tupman, the romantic.
Enter the wily Jingle who, before long, has tricked the innocent Tupman into paying for his ticket to the ball that night. Here, discovering that Rachel is an heiress, Jingle sets about courting her, thereby spoiling Tupman's chances and landing Winkle in a pretty pickle!
The next morning Pickwick returns to his rooms to discover the ebullient Sam striking up a 'friendship' with the new maid Mary. After some thought he decides to hire Sam as his Gentleman's Gentleman. Unfortunately, when he seeks Sam's release as Boot Black, Mrs. Bardell mistakes the request for a proposal of marriage and Pickwick finds himself in a compromising position!
Winkle, having slept through the ball, is surprised to receive a challenge to a duel. When the affair is happily resolved the Pickwickians and the Wardle family go skating; there they discover Rachel has succumbed to Jingle's flattery and run off with him, and Pickwick is presented with a writ for Breach of Promise. They follow the runaways to Eatanswill where Pickwick succeeds in buying Jingle off. Pickwick's next call is to the offices of Dodson and Fogg where he learns some hard truths about the law. In the Court room, sgt. Buzfuz so ably states Mrs. Bardell's case that Pickwick is found guilty with damages; after refusing to pay he finds himself in the fleet ...where we came in!
~ THE CAST ~
PICKWICK |
Colin Hunt |
MR. JINGLE |
Nicholas Sullivan |
SAM WELLER |
Stephen Yeomans |
MR.WARDLE |
Eric Page |
AUGUSTUS SNODGRASS |
Chris Dowen |
TRACY TUPMAN |
Steve Noakes |
NATHANIEL WINKLE |
Daffyd Gough |
TONYWELLER |
Les Middleton |
MRS. BARDELL |
Brenda Arnold |
RACHEL |
Natalie Gayle |
EMILY |
Meg Dowen |
ISABELLA |
Jade Spilsbury |
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PICKWICK - Colin Hunt |
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MR. JINGLE - Nicholas Sullivan |
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SAM WELLER - Stephen Yeomas |
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MR.WARDLE - Eric Page Eric has been with us since 1966 and is regarded as one of the stalwarts of the Company, having played many comedy and straight roles over the years. The range is very varied and includes Sir John (Me and My Girl). President Roosevelt (Annie - twice). Nicely Nicely Johnson (Guys and Dolls), Mr. Bumble (Oliver), Captain Andy (Showboat), and many others. Eric is also a member of Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company playing various roles. Among his favourites are Moon Faced Martin (Anything Goes), Horace Vandergelder (Hello Dolly), and Luther Billis (South Pacific) |
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AUGUSTUS SNODGRASS - Chris Dowen Chris has been a keen member for four years after joining Bilston for the Premier of 'The Slipper and the Rose'. He is particularly looking forward to this role as he will be playing opposite to his wife Meg who he wishes to thank for her help and support. |
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TRACY TUPMAN - Steve Noakes Steve first joined Bilston in 2000 when he played Tom Jenkins in 'Scrooge'. Since then he has played The Major Domo (Slipper and the Rose). Lt. Buzz Adams (South Pacific), and Mac (Annie Get Your Gun), A variety of other parts played during his stage appearances are his favourites - Professor Higgins (My Fair Lady), Lt. Cable (South Pacific), Fagin (Oliver), Joseph (Technicolour Dreamcoat), and Billy Bigelow (Carousel). |
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NATHANIEL WINKLE - Daffyd Gough Daffyd joined the Company for South Pacific in 2002, but prior to that he had been a member of the Stagecoach Company from the age of six. He later became a member of the Youth Theatre at Brewood when he was 10 years old. More recently, as a member of Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company, he played the part of Pearce in their production of 'Half A Sixpence'. His best remembered parts during his time at the Youth Theatre are Bert (Mary Poppins), Rooster (Annie), Fagin (Oliver). and the Lion (Wizard of Oz). |
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TONY WELLER - Les Middleton Les is another long standing member of the Company having joined us in 1967 for 'Zip Goes a Million' Apart from being a very valuable chorus member Les has played many roles with Bilston and other companies. among his best remembered are Rabbi (Fiddler on the roof). Arvide, twice (Guys and Dolls), R. F. Simpson singing in the Rain) and Harrison Howell ( Kiss Me Kate). He is also a member of the Management Committee and supports the Company in every way possible. |
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MRS. BARDELL - Brenda Arnold Brenda has been a member of the Company since 1974 when she played Belinda in 'Belinda Fair'. Over the years her roles have included Mary Ann (Chrysanthemum), Mrs.Eynstbrd Hill (My Fair Lady), Mrs. Malloy (Hello Dolly), Babe Williams (Pajama Game), Kate (Kiss Me Kate), and more recently Ruth (Pirates of Penzance) - the Broadway version). As secretary to the Management Committee she is kept busy with the affairs of the Company, and is a respected singing teacher, who is constantly introducing students. |
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RACHEL - Natalie Gayle Natalie joined us in 2003 for 'Annie Get Your Gun' and has since become a respected hard working member of the Company. She played the part of Edith in 'The Pirates of Penzance' 2004. Her stage career began at the age of 14 with the North Worcestershire Operatic Society playing Carrie (Carousel), Minnie Fay (Hello Dolly), Charlie (Charlie Girl), and Annie Oakley (Annie Get Your Gun). She is a member of our Management Committee, and Producer of our Spring concerts. |
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EMILY - Meg Dowen Meg has been a member for two years but prior to that she has been in a variety of productions with Willenhall Operatic Company, South Staffs Musical Theatre and Rainbow Pantomimes. She hones her dancing skills with the Lytton School of Dance and dances regularly with their shows. Meg is grateful for the support of her husband Chris and fellow company members. |
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ISABELLA - Jade Spilsbury This is Jade's second appearance with Bilston and she is thrilled to be given the role of Isabella. She has previously appeared as Laurie in 'Oklahoma' with Willenhall Operatic Company, and is also a member of Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company. Jade is at present studying Performing Arts at Wolverhampton University and is hoping to pursue a professional career. She thanks her family and friends for their continued support. |