On a cold, damp evening during Queen Victoria's reign, Barclay and Letitia Barnstormer and their company are preparing to put on a show at a village farm. Join Nicolo and Nicolette as they try the trapeze, listen to The Great Vesuvio tell of his transformation, watch Angelica Whinge singing 'Orrible Little Blue Eyes, and hiss the Landlord, Squire Squeeze, as he fluffs his lines.
A production full of showstoppers, this is a non-stop entertainment and comedy which will be enjoyed by all.
The pack has everything you could need for performance including character descriptions, hints for production and costumes, and a CD containing both demonstrations of all the songs, and amazing orchestrated backing tracks for performance or rehearsal. Pupils' scripts are available as a free download with the book, along with instrumental parts for B flat, E flat, or C instruments.
Reviewer's Choice - Music Teacher Magazine, May 2010Originally published in 1976 and now available in its third edition, The Barnstormer
tells the story of travelling actor-musicians during the reign of Queen Victoria. It is a charming work, quaintly reminiscent of a bygone era, both theatrically and also in terms of its conception as a school musical.
The script is amusing, educational and historically informative, with scope for over 30 speaking parts. A well-written Piano score is provided, together with an easy-to-use CD of accompaniments, both with and without vocals. Detailed instructions for live musicians include advice to be 'nimble and lively', and a wide range of additional instrumental parts are available as free downloads.
What really sets this musical apart is the variety and imagination of the music itself. A short, well-constructed overture captures the circus mood simply but extremely effectively. Each subsequent song then adds to the drama, moving from the organ-grinder's waltz through to the old-time music hall classic, 'Orrible Little Blue Eyes,
via the imaginative two-part skeletal canon of the Tight-Rope Walkers.
There are some lovely melodies, simple but effective harmony and modulations and many real 'sing-along' moments.
It is possible that some Year 6 children might initially find The Barnstormers
a little stilted; it certainly does not pander to the more contemporary styles of many musicals for this age group. Rather, its strength lies in the quality of the music, which, together with the drama, really encapsulates the Victorian mood. This is real education through drama and music with much fun to be had along the way. Excellent. - Sarah Shaw
Betty Roe: The Barnstormers (Excerpt) by musicroom