Friends, Foes & Fossils
It’s the early 19th Century in Lyme Regis, England. Mary Anning has just discovered Ichthyosaur - the fossil that will change her life. She’s delighted! But although her friends share her excitement, there are plenty of others who want to take advantage of her skills for their own purposes.
The Mary Anning Musical
From London Geologists and well-dressed ladies to hard-working Quarrymen, penniless urchins and her pet dog Tray, Mary finds out who her real friends are, how to hold on to them, and how – sometimes - it’s the most surprising people who end up saving the day!
This history-based musical, about fossil-hunter and self-educated paleontologist Mary Anning, explores themes of exploitation, friendship and generosity against the backdrop of the stormy cliffs of Dorset. A colourful and characterful cast – including three fossil narrators – joyfully brings the story to life.
Songs include, “On the Sidelines,” which explores inequality and unfair treatment, “Hold on to your Friends” on the power of friendship, and the show-stopping “Woohoo! I’m Fossilised Poo!” – perhaps the world’s first scientifically accurate rap about dinosaur dung...
Details
Author: Jude Simpson & Kevin Duncan
Target age: 7-11 Year Olds
Page Count: 112 pages
Speaking/Solo parts: 30+ *
Chorus parts/groups: Yes
Performance duration: ~ 60-90 minutes
*most parts are flexible and can be doubled up or shared according to the size of your cast.
Buying options
Step 1: Musical Book
Book: Book includes full script, character list, curriculum-linked material, sheet music and lyrics.
CDs & Downloads: Backing tracks to accompany the musical is available in the form of a CD or downloadable MP3s.
Step 2: Extras
CD 10-Pack: Additional CDs to support the musical for rehursals etc. Includes all songs recorded as full backing tracks.
Editable Script: A copy of the basic script made available in an editable Microsoft Word document - Note: This is not a replacement for the original book.
Step 3: Licencing
Performance Licence: You need a performance licence to perform our show to anyone other than pupils and staff. The licence allows you to perform the show as many times as you like during a twelve month period.
Filming/Streaming Licence: If you plan to film your performance and manufacture DVDs for distribution, stream content on an internet site or on social media, you will also need to purchase this licence.
About Jude Simpson
Jude Simpson is a poet, lyricist, author and performer. She writes for both adults and children, and is known for her witty wordplay, quirky humour and sheer joyfulness.
A veteran of Edinburgh, Glastonbury and Greenbelt, Jude is a regular on Konnect Radio and at Big Church Festival. She performs at poetry clubs, festivals, churches and theatres around the country, and her children’s show “A Noise Annoys” is currently in development at the Junction Theatre, Cambridge.
This is Jude’s first musical for The Little Musicals Company, and she has loved bringing Mary Anning to the stage.
Jude also hosts literature events, and co-authors non-fiction books. Find out more at www.judesimpson.co.uk
"Jude Simpson is funny, sharp, emotional in her work and is a terrific performer.” - Michael Rosen
About Kevin Duncan
Kevin Duncan is a composer, music producer and multi-instrumentalist based in the UK. He has written and recorded many works includes a range of solo piano albums, a collection of Celtic compositions, a range of jazz improvisation tutors and the rock musical - Nativity News.
When he finished his degree in music and recording, Kevin went on to set up a recording studio for recording local bands and artists in his home town of Nuneaton. He also spent many years performing in orchestras and local bands and formed his own 10 piece soul band 'The Scoobies' in the late nineties.
Kevin composes in many different styles and has completed works for orchestras, solo artists and bands, musicals, choirs, solo piano and solo instruments.
Samples
Contents Page
Cast List Page
Sample Scene Page
Sample Sheet Music Page
Sample Tracks from the CD:
