The Powder Monkeys

A powerful piece, originally from the National Youth Music Theatre, which highlights the social hyprocrisy and injustice of Nelson's England, whilst focussing on the inhabitants of the famous cricket-playing village of Hambledon. Young characters of varying backgrounds encounter the dilemna of conflicting loyalties whilst retaining the innocence and spark of childhood - even as they run risks in the face of death as "powder monkeys" on the fighting ships. A lively, poignant, noisy, humorous and moving play providing great scope and challenge.

Suggested Age Range: 11 upwards - best with a wide range. Running Time: 120 minutes + interval/s - Music : Based on contemporary pieces of the Napoleonic War and before; some solo; accompaniment ideally ten-piece orchestra but can be simplified. Set: Simple, versatile and fast-moving - to be rotated and/or converted by the cast as part of the action and sometimes the music. The setting varies from cricket field to quarter deck and from drawing room to open road but all should be portrayed symbolically and with minimum intrusion upon the acting area.

For Piano Score click here
For Rehearsal Cassette (piano accompaniment suitable for rehearsal only) click here
For Performance Cassette (backing track - Cassette contains only one number, which is required to be played on tape) click here