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The Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe (Barrow)

Colin Barrow

Genre: Pantomime

Cast size: 18 +Chorus

Duration: Two Act

Colin Barrow | Pantomime | 3m, 3f, 9m/f + Chorus

Short synopsis

Although not a frequently used subject for a pantomime, it still delivers all the traditional pleasures of one. This can be a bonus for the audience of not knowing the story which they are about to see. Past responses are good on this point, as it takes away some of the predictable expectations. It contains all the usual mix of characters, but in this case, they are all named as nursery rhyme characters. This, in itself helps to dictate their costuming and character mannerisms. The scenery is easy and very achievable even for the small stage or those with logistical problems. The pantomime contains all the usual audience participation and nonsense that is expected. The story is strong whilst delivering a good traditional family pantomime.

This pantomime delivers something for all ages. Fun packed and takes you on a journey of the plight of the Old Woman, Mother Hubbard and her orphanage. The shoe, residing at Soggy Bottom had been left by a giant when passing by. The shoe’s residents are all children that have been homed by Mother Hubbard. The children are, Simple Simon, Wee Willie Winkie, Polly, Georgie Porgie, Boy Blue, with Bo-Peep as Principle girl and Jack (Horner) as Principle boy, with any chorus members. And there is a house dog, Bingo.

They all live there very happily until Mary Mary, a local unpopular newly elected councillor has plans for their eviction. Humpty Dumpty, Mary’s so called secretary goes along with her decisions even if he doesn’t agree with them. As her eviction gathers pace, and Jack and Bo-Peeps' romance blossoms, Old MacDonald has placed an advert to see if there is love out in the wide world for him. Needless to say, Mother Hubbard replies and this creates a some good comedy. Jack has had information that he may not be all that he seems to be. With a riddle and badge, which turns out to be a Royal seal, this takes him and all those living in the shoe to France. This has been set up by Fairy Twinkle and once at their destination they are met by Mademoiselle (Miss) Muffet, who is the giants assistant and he has all the answers.

Old MacDonald finds himself to be a King, owing to an accident when the King lost his memory. Another blow on the head brings Old MacDonald’s memory back and re-establishes him as Old King Cole. Jack is holding the clue that he is Old King Cole’s son, Prince Jack. With new information and the knowledge of who is who, they return to Soggy Bottom where, Mary Mary well and truly gets her comeuppance. Jack and Bo-Peep, marry, Mother Hubbard becomes Queen by marrying Old King Cole. And Simple Simon and Mademoiselle Muffet also wed and will run the orphanage for Mother Hubbard, whilst she occupies herself being Queen. 

3m, 3f, 9m/f

2m, 3f, 7m/f - Principals

  • Mother Hubbard  -  Dame (m/f)
  • Simple Simon  -  Comic (m)
  • Georgie Porgie (m/f)
  • Wee Willie Winkie (m/f)
  • Boy Blue (m/f)
  • Polly (m/f)
  • Jack  - Principal boy (f)
  • Bo-Peep  - Principal girl (f)
  • Old MacDonald (m)
  • Mary Mary  -  Villain (f)
  • Humpty Dumpty  -  Mary Mary’s secretary (m/f)
  • Bingo  -  Dog (m/f) 

Small part/Cameo characters - 1m, 2m/f 

The script is written so that the Fairy and Miss
Muffet could be played by the same performer if it is wished.

  • Fairy Twinkle (m/f)
  • Miss Muffet  - Giants assistant (m/f)
  • Giant  -  a recorded voice or spoken live through a microphone (m) 

Also A Horse (if you decide to
use one) (m/f)
and Chorus(if you have one)

Type
Free

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The Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe (Barrow)

Free
More information

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Frequently asked questions

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Of course! All our plays and pantomimes have a free Preview Script available for download as an A4 pdf file that contains 60-75% of the full script. If you like what you read then you can buy an inexpensive e-script of the entire play (typically less than half the cost of a traditional printed script) which is licensed to you for your personal use. Purchasing a script copying licence allows you to make just enough copies to support rehearsals and performances.

All our musicals are included in our perusal service. Through this, representatives of producing organisations can request a USB Stick of perusal material  which comprise the script/libretto and piano/vocal score as PDF files; a Cast (or Studio) Recording as MP3 files and (where available) an MP4 file video of either the premiere production or of a subsequent production.

Some titles have the facility to read the entire script online on our website.

Do we need a Licence To Perform?

The simple answer is, yes.

Under the international laws of copyright, you must be in possession of a valid, unexpired licence before performing any piece of theatre unless the owner or managers of the copyright has waived their rights.

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When you request a quotation, it is logged in our system, it forms part of an orderly queue and protects your place in that queue should multiple licensing requests occur for the same show.

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