The Sundowe
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The Sundowe is a musical written by Edinburgh-based writers and performers John, James and Gerry Kielty and featuring their band The Martians. The Sundowe was entered into the "Highland Quest For A New Musical" competition in early 2006 and was announced as the winner in July 2006.[1] It was then produced by Cameron Mackintosh as a full stage musical, with the world premiere on 29 November 2007 at the new Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, Scotland.[1] Following a three-week run at Eden Court[2] it toured the Scottish Highlands in January and February 2008.
The story line centres on The Martians themselves, as their street busking is interrupted by vampires, the local council and the return of dead souls. The musical is part comedy, part pathos, and includes references to modern Scottish politics, Greyfriars Bobby, street busking and ancient Scottish history.
It has been described as "Shaun of the Dead meets Thriller",[3] and is influenced by cult science fiction such as Doctor Who and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Original cast
[edit]The Martians:
- Rory - John Kielty
- Jimmy - Gerry Kielty
- Harry - Houston
The Authorities:
- Roothby - Crawford Logan
- Madam Godwin - Cora Bissett
- First Minister - Harry Ward
- Singing Policeman - Scott Garnham
Ambience Brigade:
- Mr Jappy - Scott Garnham
- Mr Geonst - Nick Underwood
The Vampyres:
- Erich - Peter Kelly
- Claus - Mark McDonnell
- The Queen - Anne Kidd
The Prey:
- Virgin - Jennifer Rhodes
- Another Virgin - Tammy Joelle
- Yet another Virgin - Cora Bissett
The Others:
- Mum - Anne Kidd
- Doorman - Nick Underwood
- Aiden - Scott Garnham
- Girl - Jennifer Rhodes
- Husband - Scott Garnham
- Wife - Cora Bissett
- Free Church Minister - Peter Kelly
- Reporter - Jennifer Rhodes
- Mr Cunningham - Mark McDonnell
- Lily - Rachel Marr/ Caitlin Marr
Other parts played by members of the cast.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Highland Quest website". Retrieved 12 August 2008.
- ^ "The Sundowe is victorious". Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 12 August 2008.
- ^ "Hi-arts.co.uk review, July 2006". Archived from the original on 4 July 2008. Retrieved 12 August 2008.
External links
[edit]- "The Sundowe" official site
- Eden Court website article about "The Sundowe"
- "The Martians", real life band of the authors
- The Martians fansite
- Daily Telegraph review by Mark Brown of The Sundowe at the Eden Court
- Sunday Herald review by Mark Brown of The Sundowe at the Eden Court
- Herald review of The Sundowe at Eden Court
- Highland News review of The Sundowe