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LIBRETTO ANTHONY BUCKERIDGE
COMPOSER CORIN BUCKERIDGE
As a tribute to Anthony, The Lewes Little Theatre decided to revive a production of IT HAPPENED IN HAMELIN for the Christmas season 2006. It was first performed at this theatre in 1979.
The legend of the Pied Piper is set against the Children's Crusade of the 14th century.
The cast is variable - there are four or five speaking parts for children and fifteen speaking parts for adults (senior pupils or members of staff!). One of the main reasons why the play was not accepted professionally in 1979/80 was the fact that in the present economic climate large casts are not viable in the commercial theatre. However, it seems to me that it would be eminently suitable for schools with an enterprising Drama department!
The play was as favourably received in 2006 as it had been in 1979. Indeed, parallels with todays world prompted many people to ask me if I had up-dated the text - which, of course, was not the case!
The tenor of the reviews in 2006 suggested that the play should or could become a classic "Buckeridge's elegant and witty lyrics together with Corin's energetic and lyrical music combine to make IT HAPPENED IN HAMELIN a morality tale to delight Children and adults alike"
This is the second Mailshot that I have sent out since Anthony's death in 2004. The first was a reminder that JENNINGS ABOUNDING was still available from SAMUEL FRENCH. I expect that you will readily understand that I wish to keep Anthony's work alive!
I should be happy to answer any enquiries you may have and copies of the text are available from me.