The Sundowe

The Sundowe is a musical written by Edinburgh based writers and performers John, James and Gerry Kielty and featuring their band The Martians.

Originally developed as a radio show, and later as a television pilot, The Sundowe eventually became the basis for a modern musical.

The storyline centres on The Martians themselves, as their street busking is interrupted by vampires, the local council and the return of dead souls. The musical is part comedy, part pathos, and includes references to modern Scottish politics, Greyfriars Bobby, street busking and ancient Scottish history.

Characters

(Original Cast) -

The Martians:

Rory - John Kielty

Jimmy - Gerry Kielty

Harry - Houston

The Authorities:

Roothby - Crawford Logan

Madam Godwin - Cora Bissett

First Minister - Harry Ward

Singing Policeman - Scott Garnham

Ambience Brigade:

Mr Jappy - Scott Garnham

Mr Geonst - Nick Underwood

The Vampyres:

Erich - Peter Kelly

Claus - Mark McDonnell

The Queen - Anne Kidd

The Prey:

Virgin - Jennifer Rhodes

Another Virgin - Tammy Joelle

Yet another Virgin - Cora Bissett

The Others:

Mum - Anne Kidd

Doorman - Nick Underwood

Aiden - Scott Garnham

Girl - Jennifer Rhodes

Husband - Scott Garnham

Wife - Cora Bissett

Free Church Minister - Peter Kelly

Reporter - Jennifer Rhodes

Mr Cunningham - Mark McDonnell

Lily - Rachel Marr/ Caitlin Marr

Other parts played by members of the cast.

Development & Production

Originally developed in several formats, including a stage musical, "The Sundowe" was entered into the "Highland Quest For A New Musical" competition in early 2006, and was announced as the winner in July 2006.cite web|url=http://www.highland-quest.com/|title=Highland Quest website|accessdate=2008-08-12] It was then produced by Cameron Mackintosh as a full stage musical, with the world premiere on 29 November 2007 at the new Eden Court theatre in Inverness, Scotland. Following a three week run at Eden Courtcite web|url=http://www.eden-court.co.uk/article/52/the-sundowe-is-victorious.html|title="The Sundowe is victorious"|accessdate=2008-08-12] it toured the Scottish Highlands in January and February of 2008.

It has been described as " 'Shaun of the Dead' meets 'Thriller'cite web|url=http://www.hi-arts.co.uk/july06_feature_highland_quest.html|title=Hi-arts.co.uk review, July 2006|accessdate=2008-08-12] , and draws influence from cult science fiction such as Doctor Who and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

References

External links

* [http://www.thesundowe.com/ "The Sundowe" official site]
* [http://www.eden-court.co.uk/article/52/the-sundowe-is-victorious.html Eden Court website article about "The Sundowe"]
* [http://www.the-martians.co.uk "The Martians", real life band of the authors]
* [http://www.themartiansfansite.co.uk The Martians fansite]
* [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/12/04/btsundowe104.xml "Daily Telegraph" review by Mark Brown of "The Sundowe" at the Eden Court]
* [http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1874574.0.0.php#comments "Sunday Herald" review by Mark Brown of "The Sundowe" at the Eden Court]
* [http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/featuresartsreview/display.var.1875047.0.0.php Herald review of "The Sundowe" at Eden Court]
* [http://www.highland-news.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3004/Sundowe's_dawn_of_the_dead_brings_new_theatre_to_life.html Highland News review of "The Sundowe"]