DRAFT REPORT FOR THE SPRING 2004 EASTERN NEWS 2004

B.A.T.S. - THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN

This was only the second production of a new musical play, The Pied Piper, the first being by the Harleston Players last year. Co-script writer Andy Kimber, a long time BATS member, also wrote and directed the music, in addition to directing this production. The tale had its origins in the 13th/14th century and the basis of the plot is from Robert Browning’s poem of 1849 (except for the ending), describing how Hamelin's plague of rats was destroyed by the Piper for an agreed fee, which the town council failed to honour, with awful consequences for the children. The score has some really good vocal music for solo, duets, group and ensemble numbers, with underscore as necessary. It was pre-recorded with very good orchestral effects and the cueing and timing of the music in production was very well handled, as was the accompaniment/voice balance. Characters were well drawn, the villain of the piece, played with some zest by Richard Heath, being the Burgermeister, claimant of all good ideas, lover of money, position etc. but with no time or ability for difficulties and chairing a Council of yes — men. Richard Lewis developed the Town Clerk into a good comedy role using spin, in fudging the accounts, to almost 21st century standards! Steve Hutley gave us a hideous and fawning Klutz, the town rat-catcher. Love interest was between Hans, a poor farmer, and Anna, the Burgermeister’s daughter, who despised her father for his attitudes. Grant Borroff played the former a little stiffly, but with a nicely resonant voice. Pippa Revell demonstrated feeling as Anna and sang well. James Clark gave us a Pied Piper of quiet strength, within a slightly surreal aura. The children doubled effectively as themselves and the rats. Costume was suitably medieval and scenery was good, but the several changes between Town Square and Council Chamber and back again caused longish delays on this small stage. The piece moved along well, though more animation and interest was needed from the villagers, particularly in the ‘Searching’ number which needed to sustain real urgency, but didn’t. This is a short piece and should prove of interest to other Societies. With a running at less than 2 hours overall, there is room to both develop the characters and to insert further front of curtain cover for the scene changes where this is necessary. This was a very good evening and it’s always good to see new work performed and appreciated as this was.