A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

Thick as a Brick

Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy  /  4w, 4m

Book and lyrics by John Godber
Music by John Pattison

Additional lyrics by Jane Thornton

Relief drama teacher Mary faces an uphill struggle when she tries to interest sixteen-year-olds Stacey, Kelly and Maggie in dance. A trip to London to take part in a dance competition proves to be a turning point. With an energetic score by John Pattison and opportunities for dancing, singing and acting, Thick as a Brick is all-round entertainment laced with John Godber's characteristic insight and humour.

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Thick as a Brick

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 4m
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

Relief drama teacher Mary faces an uphill struggle when she tries to interest sixteen-year-olds Stacey, Kelly and Maggie in dance. She isn't helped by the science-obsessed headmaster, nor by the girl's patent lack of commitment, nor by the lack of funds and resources, but she ploughs doggedly on. A trip to London to take part in a dance competition proves to be a turning point; the girls, though they don't win, gain confidence, and Mary nearly becomes romantically involved with Stacey's dad, Jimmy. With an energetic score by John Pattison and opportunities for dancing, singing and acting, Thick as a Brick is all-round entertainment laced with John Godber's characteristic insight and humour.

History

First performed by the Hull Truck Theatre Company in April 1999.

Keywords
Mary Clifford, 42. A nervous type. She is an ex-teacher who is returning to education after a fifteen year lay off. She is extremely bright with a Ph.D. in Roman drama, but has the affliction of a slight stammer.

Tom Duncan, 50. Has been in education for as long as he can remember. Despite being tired and jaundiced he does try his best to save a sinking ship. He is longing, however, for his place in the sun. His place is Tuscany, where he dreams of buying a holiday home.

Gary Fox, 38. The PE teacher at Common Road. He is sharp and angular. Nasty and hard-faced.

Stacey Naylor, 16. An attractive but difficult child. She is not of high academic ability but is street wise and savvy. She has a natural ability at dance and drama.

Kerry Shields, 16. A shy and quiet girl. She is a real dreamer but her birdlike qualities give the impression of someone not always focused.

Maggie Brooke, 16. Truculent and dour. She is uninterested in anything at all, and is very much a passenger in the trio.

Jimmy Naylor, 45. Stacey's father. He is a bright and worldly but uneducated man. He has been in and out of prison several times, and is aggressive and frightening. His wife died five years ago. He is extremely protective of Stacey.

Bonny Baines, 50. Runs the Astoria Guest House, near King's Cross. It is part brothel part hotel, indeed Ronny is part landlord and part pimp.
  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting

    A fictional East Yorkshire secondary school

Music

Overture - I Shalln’t Say It Again
No. 1 - Bored
No. 2 - Walking the Dog
No. 3 - Where Did Love Go?
No. 4 - Break Away
No. 5 - Big Bad World
No. 6 - Birds and Bees
No. 7 - I Remember When
No. 8 - What Next
No. 9 - Not Worth It!
No. 10 - Remember When
No. 11 - Not Worth It

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

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5 Piano-Vocal

This title is orchestrated for Piano Only.

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Authors

John Godber

John Godber
John Godber was born in 1956 in Upton, West Yorkshire, the son and grandson of miners. He trained as a teacher of drama at Bretton Hall College. Prior to his appointment as Artistic Director of Hull Truck Theatre Company in 1984, he was Head of Drama at Minsthorpe High School ...
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