Arch, Gwyn

The Parker Plan (1960)

Duration: 120 minutes
A modern musical about children

Text by Fred S Tysh on a book by James Owen (E)

Scoring
Major roles: 3female,2male; minor roles: 6 male; chorus solo piano and string quintet.
Abbreviations (PDF).

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

World Premiere
6/1/1960
Rickmansworth Grammar School, Rickmansworth
Company: Students from Rickmansworth Grammar School

Roles

CHILDREN'S VOICES:
RUTH PARKER, PETER PARKER, Brother and sister
MRS PARKER, MR PARKER, their parents
MARY BROWN, vicar's daughter, Ruth's best friend
TOM, DICK, HARRY, three village lads; incipient Teddy Boys of the rustic variety
HORACE, WILLIE, venerable ancient rustics
STEVIE THOMPSON, a boy
A small boy
Three small boys (cricketers)
Two small girls (in riding kit)
The Man from the Ministry
Carruthers, his assistant
Assorted villagers
Chorus of school and village children

Time and Place
The English village of High Farthing, the early 1960s

Synopsis

Schoolboy Peter Parker brings home his school report – unlike his sister Ruth, he is hopeless at academic work but good at practical skills. Together with her friend Mary, Ruth comes up with a scheme to help him prove himself. The village forge is dilapidated, but Peter sees its potential and starts acquiring wood and bricks to rebuild it as a village hall. Three local toughs – Tom, Dick and Harry – vandalise Peter's work, but are brought on board when it is suggested that, if it is pulled down, a police station will be built instead. Now with the help of all the village children, the new hall starts to take shape. Some Men from the Ministry sent to approve the building's demolition are initially delayed by Tom, Dick and Harry, then persuaded to relent when they see what has been achieved. The hall is opened by Peter's father, who is thrilled by his son's achievement.

Moods
Comic

Subjects
Contemporary, Politics, Society