When the Lights Go On Again
Musical in 2 Acts by Roy Sault
Synopsis
This fantastic original show from the pen of Roy Sault tells the story of family life in England during the war years, culminating in a VE / VJ day party. The audience are invited to sing along with any, or all, of the songs in the show! The audience will laugh and cry and join the family on their way through some difficult times and some fun times. It is a very clever observation on the humour that saw the nation through those dark years: school concerts, rationing, the Saturday Night Dance, ARP Wardens, air raids, queues, spam, all get a look in. Then of course there's the Camp Concert complete with Sergeant Major and his motley crew.
About the Show
This show has something for everyone in amateur societies and has parts across all age ranges. The show has approximately 25 main characters plus unlimited opportunities for the chorus. The songs in the show are delivered as full ensemble numbers, solos, duets or groups.
There are poignant letters between young couples parted by war used as vehicles for the majority of the solos. The Saturday Night Dance provides a number of opportunities for singers, as does the Army Camp Concert. There are also scenes within the show which look at the humour in shop queues, picture houses. The school concert provides an opportunity for the children in a society. The Parker family is central to the show and there are a number of scenes featuring the family -the opening, an air raid and a family Christmas. The Air Raid Wardens provide their take on proceedings in their scene.
The show culminates in a VE / VJ Day party
The show is written to be performed at any location in the country and is written specifically with the half / full stage settings to facilitate scene changes.
Humour in the show is aplenty, and features three great comic creations, Gran, Vera and Elsie, ably assisted by Jessie. The comic talents of Elsie, Vera and Jessie are featured in an 'over the wall' scene. They are also instigators of the humour in the Shop Queue.
Songs in Show
This show is jam packed full of well loved songs from the era. Musical arrangements are by Sylvia Roberts.
Scenes and Settings and Musical Numbers
ACT I | |
Overture: |
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The Parker Family Home - 1939 | |
David Parker writes home - 1940 |
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A Shop Queue - 1940 | |
Mark Turner writes to Jane Parker |
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A School Concert - 1942 |
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Jane Parker writes to Mark Turner |
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Air Raid Wardens - 1943 | |
David Parker writes to Sylvia Grahame |
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The Parker Family Home - 1943 | |
Sylvia Grahame writes to David Parker |
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The Saturday Night Dance |
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ACT II | |
Entr'acte |
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A Camp Concert - 1944 |
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Simon and Jean exchange letters |
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A Cinema Queue - 1944 | |
Inside the Cinema | |
Over the Garden Wall - 1944 | |
The Parker Home - Christmas 1944 |
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Alice Parker writes to Dave |
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A Street Party - 1945 |
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Finale |
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Cast of Characters
- Alice Parker
- Fred Parker
- David Parker
- Jane Parker
- Susan Parker
- Jimmy Parker
- Gran Parker
- Elsie Jones
- Vera Herbert
- Jessie Morgan
- Mr Simpson (Headmaster)
- Jean Hepworth (Teacher)
- Simon (R.A.F. Navigator)
- Sylvia Grahame (David Parker's girfriend)
- Mark Turner (Jane Parker's boyfriend)
- Cinema Manager
- Usherette
- The Rev Atkinson
- Mr Braithwaite (Shopkeeper)
- Dance M.C.
- Sergeant Major
- Carmen Miranda
- Lilli Marlene
- Ted
- Joe
Full details and further information (with pictures) on the official show website - click When the Lights Go On Again