OPERA SEARCH
The Parker Plan
(1960)Text by Fred S Tysh on a book by James Owen (E)
Major roles: 3female,2male; minor roles: 6 male; chorus
solo piano and string quintet
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
Rickmansworth Grammar School, Rickmansworth
Company: Students from Rickmansworth Grammar School
| 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 |
The English village of High Farthing, the early 1960s
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.
Comic