The Ideal Gnome Expedition

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The Ideal Gnome Expedition
The Ideal Gnome Expedition scene.jpg
Written by David Wood
Characters Mr. Fisher, Mr. Wheeler, Chips, Baby Duck
Date premiered 1980
Place premiered Liverpool Playhouse
Original language English
Subject Gnomes
Genre Children's entertainment
Official site

The Ideal Gnome Expedition (sometimes called Chish 'n' Fips) is a British musical play, with book, music and lyrics by children's playwright David Wood. It was first staged in 1980, and has since been adapted as a TV series and staged by several companies, including amateur groups. It tells of the adventures of a pair of garden gnomes who decided to take a vacation and set out looking for a sunny island.

David Wood, OBE is an actor and writer whom The Times called "the National Children's Dramatist". Along with John Gould, he founded the Whirligig Theatre, a touring children's theatre company.

Contents

Production

David Wood is known for his children's plays. [1] The play was commissioned from Wood by William Gaunt, director of the Liverpool Playhouse. The play was advertised and first staged as Chish 'n' Fips, but when it was written the plot ended up with no connection to the title. [2] It was produced in southern England in the Christmas 1980–81 season. [3] Later it was put on at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London by Whirligig Theatre, and went on tour in the autumn of 1981. [4] The play continued to be performed throughout the 1980s. [5]

William Charles Anthony Gaunt is an English actor.

Liverpool Playhouse theatre in Liverpool, England

The Liverpool Playhouse is a theatre in Williamson Square in the city of Liverpool, England. It originated in 1866 as a music hall, and in 1911 developed into a repertory theatre. As such it nurtured the early careers of many actors and actresses, some of whom went on to achieve national and international reputations. Architectural changes have been made to the building over the years, the latest being in 1968 when a modern-style extension was added to the north of the theatre. In 1999 a trust was formed, joining the management of the Playhouse with that of the Everyman Theatre.

Sadlers Wells Theatre theatre in Clerkenwell, Islington, London (currently the sixth building on that site)

Sadler's Wells Theatre is a performing arts venue in Clerkenwell, London, England located on Rosebery Avenue. The present-day theatre is the sixth on the site since 1683. It consists of two performance spaces: a 1,500 seat main auditorium and the Lilian Baylis Studio, with extensive rehearsal rooms and technical facilities also housed within the site. Sadler's Wells is renowned as one of the world's leading dance venues. As well as a stage for visiting companies, the theatre is also a producing house, with a number of associated artists and companies that produce original works for the theatre. Sadler's Wells is also responsible for the management of the Peacock Theatre in the West End, during times not used by the London School of Economics.

Wood changed the name to the more descriptive The Ideal Gnome Exhibition in 1981, although it reverted to its original title when it became a television series and a book. According to the author, the idea of changing the name to The Ideal Gnome Expedition came after he had read an article about the Ideal Home Exhibition. When the play was adapted as a television series the producer said he preferred the original title Chish 'n' Fips, and the series used that name. [2] In the TV show, produced by Central Independent TV, the two garden gnomes live in the garden behind a fish and chips shop. [6]

The play has two acts and six scenes. There are six roles. [7] Clive Mantle starred in a production of the play. [8] Chris Clarkson played the character of Wacker in a David Bown production of the play. [9] The play was revived by the Hartley Players in 2010. [10]

Clive Mantle English actor

Clive Andrew Mantle is an English actor. He is best known for playing general surgeon Dr Mike Barratt in the BBC hospital drama series Casualty and Holby City in the 1990s, and is also noted for his role as Little John in the cult 1980s fantasy series Robin of Sherwood. He returned to Casualty in 2016 as Mike Barratt for the 30th anniversary.

Plot

The story tells of two garden gnomes, Mr. Fisher and Mr. Wheeler, who decide to leave the yard to explore the world and find a holiday island, but who find the urban town setting confusing until they meet the cat Chips, who helps them navigate the city and find their island. [4] The outcome is different from what they expected, but they agree that it was the best holiday they had ever had. [11]

Garden gnome statue of a dwarf-like creature intended as a garden ornament

Garden gnomes are lawn ornament figurines of small humanoid creatures known as gnomes. Traditionally, the figurines depict male dwarfs wearing red pointy hats. Typically, gnomes stand between one and two feet tall. A recent trend has introduced miniature gnomes of only a few inches in height. Originating as a decoration for wealthy Europeans, garden gnomes are now prevalent in gardens and lawns throughout the western world, among all social classes.

Reception

A 2005 staging in Leeds was called "A charming production by the Leeds Children's Theatre with a captivating storyline for youngsters". The reviewer said "The songs and music for this production is by David Wood OBE, and this again is aimed very much at the level of youngsters, being catchy, melodic and simple but effective." [12]

Leeds City in England

Leeds is a city in West Yorkshire, England.

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References

    1. ↑ "David Wood". Amber Lane Press. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
    2. 1 2 Wood, David (2014-07-24). Wood Plays: 1. A&C Black. p. xix–xx. ISBN   978-1-4725-3687-7 . Retrieved 2014-09-14.
    3. ↑ Plays and Players. Hansom Books. 1981. p. 52.
    4. 1 2 Wood, David. "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". DavidWood.org. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
    5. ↑ Plays International. Chancery Publications. 1989. p. 28.
    6. ↑ Wall, C. Edward (1989). Media Review Digest. Pierian Press. p. 49.
    7. ↑ "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". Drama Online. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
    8. ↑ "Clive Mantle". Film Reference. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
    9. ↑ "Jack & The Beanstalk, Harrogate Theatre, until January 13". The York Press. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
    10. ↑ "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". The Hartley Players. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
    11. ↑ "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". The Guide to Musical Theatre. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
    12. ↑ John Burland (19 November 2005). "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". BBC Leeds. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
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