Overview
The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought magically to life in this sparkling musical comedy adventure for 4 to 94 year olds. Enter the imaginative world of ALICE IN WONDERLAND creator, Lewis Carroll, in this brand new, highly original, ultra-modern adaptation inspired by his beloved classic poem. This show features five high-energy actors, a life-like puppet, fantastical characters, and lashings of daft humor.
A riotous ragtag gang of bold adventurers including the Banker, the Boy, the Butcher, the Baker, the Bellman and the knitting Beaver set off on a quest to catch the mythical Snark… on the journey they encounter the Jub Jub bird, the sly Bandersnatch and the dastardly Boojum… Can a Snark be caught with soap? Will the Beaver escape the hungry Butcher’s clutches? Will the Baker remember his name? Does anyone know what a Snark actually looks like?
Side-splittingly funny, joyful, fast-paced and bursting with an award-winning soundtrack of witty and memorable songs, THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK will delight audiences from ages 4 to 94.
Casting & Production
Casting
THE BOY — Female, Playing age 10. The Boy is the hero of our story. He is kind and sometimes a little put-upon, but always looks on the bright side with endless enthusiasm and a good sense of humor. He’s a school boy of the “now”, with all the trappings that come with that, and dreams of having a better relationship with his selfish Banker father. Through the story he goes on an exciting adventure, makes friends with the knitting Beaver, and turns out to be the savior of the day.
THE BANKER — Male, Playing age 35-45. The Banker, a single parent who is obsessed with money and eternally absent-minded when it comes to his son. He is pompous, awkward with emotion, and always on the lookout for the next big money-making scheme. The hunt takes him completely out of his comfort zone, and through the play, as he comes up against adversity and some very odd island creatures, he begins to realize that money isn’t everything.
THE BUTCHER — Female, Playing age 25-35. The Butcher is the cook with a taste for Snark sausages. All her life she’s wanted to catch one and prove to the world that she is the best a butcher can be. She is resourceful, strong-willed, and grumpy – The Butcher hates anything fun, so a stint on a desert island is not for her! Strong comedy and physical skills.
THE BELLMAN — No specified gender, Playing age 30-40. The Bellman is a professional explorer and Snark hunting expert. He’s fatherly and honest, with a clown’s logic and endless optimism. He teams up with some unlikely travel mates for the journey to Snark island and leads the hunt with a blank map and a lot of hope. This actor also plays the JubJub Bird – a colourful creature, native to Snark island, who is fond of fashion and lays magical eggs.
THE BAKER — Male, Playing age 25-35. The Baker is a hapless character who is found on Snark Island having completely lost his memory. He is lonely and nervy, but willing to get stuck in and spends his time helping and hindering the hunt in equal measure. This actor also plays the Bandersnatch — a creature from Snark Island whose only goal is to collect everything you have. He’s a diva and a pick-pocket, and he loves finding new things to add to his collection. Strong comedy and physical skills.
Casting Note:
Please note that the casting of this production is flexible. In the original West End production of THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK, a cast of five played all parts, but there are many opportunities for roles for additional cast members throughout the script.
Orchestral Information
Accompaniment CD
Piano-Vocal Score
Credits
THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK
Music & Lyrics by GARETH COOPER
Written by ANNABEL WIGODER
Media
Authors
Resources
