Performed May 18th 2007

Waltzing with Matilda

STORY LINE (could change during rest of writing process).

Robert, orphan child of convicts, is given over to farmers in Tasmania. They work him too hard, so he escapes and makes his way to Melbourne. He meets Nel and Abigail on board ship.

In Melbourne, he is robbed of all his money and joins Ogden Shapiro`s touring troupe of actors/entertainers where he meets Matilda who takes him under her wing. Nel and Abigail find work as singing barmaids. Later they try to join Shapiro`s company.

Meanwhile, Robert`s Great Aunt Tabitha Hopfast is trying to find Robert`s parents. She has good news for them. She sends Silas Simper out to Australia ahead of her.

The manure hits the fan when police trace Matilda to Shapiro`s company. At the same time Aunt Tabitha finds Robert.

Robert and Matilda are parted, but they promise to meet in 10 years` time under a particular lamppost in Charing Cross, London.

Needless to say, they sing a song about it.

There are many complications along the way, of course.

CHARACTERS:

ROBERT BELLAMY. About 10-14 years old. Must be a good singer and a strong actor

TROOPER. Any age over 16

*MR NASEBY ~ a nasty farmer.

*MRS NASEBY ~ a nasty wife of a nasty farmer.

NEL and ABIGAIL age 16 to 30 ~ came to Tassie in search of husbands ~ deceived into near-slavery.             Escaped on ship to Melbourne with Robert. Sing and dance and comedy.

ALEX. Street rogue. Any age male who robs Robert of his sovereign.

SILAS SIMPER, a lawyer`s clerk employed by Aunt Tabitha. Slimy, simpering clerk who thinks he`s clever.

TABITHA HOPFAST, Robert`s great aunt. Aunt Tabitha.

OGDEN SHAPIRO, a theatrical impresario. Over 30.

NELLIE SHAPIRO, wife of above. Actor/singer. Must be able to sing well.

MATILDA. Singer/dancer/comedienne.

CHARLIE. Aboriginal stage hand

TARQUIN BEARSHEET. Male lead (jealous of Robert). Vain young actor.

TOM BULL Strong Man in Shapiro`s company

FRED and ADELE. Brother-sister act (soft shoe/tap dancing)

*PIANIST in pub?

* STEVE TV Interviewer. True, there was no TV in the 1870s, but if there had been...

*Old Lady

*Police hunting for Robert

CHORUS GIRLS (8)

ORPHANS (6)

*Characters marked with * can be doubled up with the actor playing another role as well.