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A musical play.
Book, music & lyrics by David Wood. |
First
presented by the Worcester Repertory Company at the Swan Theatre,
Worcester for Christmas 1970. The play was subsequently produced
by Knightsbridge Theatrical Productions Limited and WSG Productions
Limited at the Shaw Theatre, London for Christmas 1971 and 1972.
There have been many amateur productions, and foreign productions
include many in Germany. Repertory productions include Manchester,
Bristol and Leeds. In 1979 Whirligig Theatre presented the play
at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London and on tour.
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THE
PLOTTERS OF CABBAGE PATCH CORNER is a musical play for child
audiences. The insects live in a busy world in the garden.
Their existence, however, is always overshadowed by the humans
– the Big Ones. Infuriated by constant “spraying”
the unattractive Slug, Greenfly and Maggot call for rebellion,
strikes, ruination of the garden. The others, the ‘pretty’
insects – Red Admiral, Ladybird and Bumble Bee –
oppose this and war is declared. Glow Worm and Ant reluctantly
become involved. Fortune swings one way and the other in a
series of bitter campaigns. The garden goes to ruin and the
Big Ones decide to build a garage on it. This brings the insects
to their senses. They combine to restore the garden to its
original beauty and thus preserve their home.
David
Wood writes : This was my first original play, as opposed
to adaptations. I have particularly fond memories of the first
London production, directed by Jonathan Lynn and choreographed
by Sheila Falconer, who, some years later, directed the Whirligig
tour. It was in fact the very first Whirligig production,
which successfully attracted sponsorship from Clarks Shoes,
and paved the way for Whirligig’s touring work over
the next two decades.
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are 10 characters. It is possible to double The Great
Mushroom and Spider. Amateur and school productions have
often added extra insects as a chorus. |
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“A
milestone in children’s entertainment.”
Theatre Review
“…
guaranteed to rouse most juvenile hearts to frenzy of
passion … during the interval I heard under-tens
earnestly discussing the issues raised in the play …
good songs … highly recommended … child’s
play to warm the hearts of all.” Daily Express
“…
something fresh and worthwhile in children’s shows,
which really tries to break new ground … entertainingly
original … there is no better show for ages up
to, say, 11.” Daily Mail
“…
a new kind of audience participation … instead
of goodies and baddies, we meet rivals who attract cheers
and boos of equal vehemence … the contention in
the audience when Ant changed sides must have been heard
at St. Pancras, if not King’s Cross … child
audience cheer insect contest.” Daily Telegraph
“David
Wood’s suspense-filled delve into the insect world
that is prey to human carelessness, indifference and
cruelty.” Daily Mail
“An
up-to-date story decked out with all the best ingredients
for enchantment and delight.” Bath Chronicle
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 The
play and piano/vocal score are published by Samuel
French Ltd.
First Class Professional & Foreign Rights : Casarotto Ramsay
Ltd.
UK Repertory Rights : Samuel
French Ltd.
UK Amateur Rights : Samuel
French Ltd.
The play is included in David Wood : Plays Two (Methuen)
US Stock and Amateur Rights: Samuel French Inc.
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