Pickwick

Libretto by the composer after 'The Pickwick Papers' by Charles Dickens (E)

Major roles: Bar,BBar,B;
minor roles: 4S,5M,A,17T,8Bar,2BBar,B,4speakers,9mimes
2.2.2.2-4.2.3.0-timp.perc:xyl/t.bells-cel-harp-pft-strings

England, 1830

At a military review, Pickwick and his companions Tupman, Snodgrass and Winkle are entertained by Wardle and his family. Wardle’s sister Rachel flirts with Tupman. At Dingley Dell, however, where Wardle next invites the Pickwickians, she transfers her affections to newcomer Mr Jingle, who elopes with her. Wardle and Pickwick give chase, and catch up with them the following morning, with assistance from a hotel boots, one Sam Weller. Jingle is paid off.

Back at home with his widowed housekeeper, Mrs Bardell, Pickwick converses with her obliquely as to his hiring a manservant (Sam), but she, misunderstanding, believes him to be proposing marriage. Pickwick hires Sam. His next trip is to the Parliamentary Election at Eatanswill, where he is shocked to receive a letter from Mrs Bardell’s solicitors Dodson and Fogg indicating that she has begun an action for breach of promise of marriage against him. Pickwick loses the case and, refusing to pay damages of £750, is sent to prison.
In the Fleet, he is struck with the suffering of other inmates – notably Jingle, now in dire need. Pickwick gives him money. Next to turn up is Mrs Bardell, unable to pay Dodson and Fogg’s fees. Winkle appears with his new wife Arabella, and thereafter Wardle and the other Pickwickians, including Snodgrass and his fiancée. In order to have Mrs Bardell released and to keep his friends happy, Pickwick agrees to pay the damages and is freed. In the final scene, Snodgrass and Emily are married from Mr Pickwick’s home. All rejoice, and Pickwick delivers his valedictory epilogue.

Comic, Dramatic