Shows A

the existence of a secret passage, and they determine to attack (OFF A-BASHING) while the Weasels are celebrating the Chief Weasel's birthday. After much confusion and muddle in the secret passage they burst into the hall after the Weasels have sung of Toad's downfall (TOAD HAS GONE TO PRISON). The Weasels are taken by surprise and the battle ends with a sword fight between Toad and the Chief Weasel. However Mole bops the Chief Weasel on the head, and the animals regain Toad Hall. The Riverside Animals appear together with Toad's caravan, now mended. Toad begins to sing (FINALE - LET'S JUMP ABOARD). Everybody dances in joyous celebration, but suddenly the noise of an aeroplane passing overhead is heard. Toad is transfixed : "It flies - I want one!" he says. Toad has found a brand-new craze! PRINCIPALS: (2 female, 5 male) CAST • Toad • Mole • Rat • Badger • Chief Weasel • Rosy (the jailer's daughter) • Lady Magistrate • Clerk of the Court) • Aunt (the Washerwoman) • Policeman • The Horse • Chorus of Riverside Animals • Chorus of Weasels INSTRUMENTATION: percussion, guitar, piano, bass PRODUCTION NOTES: THE ADVENTURES OF MR. TOAD is a very adaptable musical and can be performed by professional, amateur or school forces. It it also effective with a 'cast of thousands'; this is more suitable for school productions since there is no limit to the size of the Choruses of Animals and Weasels, and doubling of the main characters is not necessary. Some of the settings can be simple front cloths to enable the main sets to be changed behind. The caravan should be practical and the car should be of the large 'pedal' variety. Costumes should be bright and cheerful, and it may help to envisage the show as a fun-filled, three dimensional cartoon. Piers Chater-Robinson

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