Childrens Music and Shows

Here is a list Donald's major stage works for children. With the exception of LUCY & THE HUNTER, which is only available in photocopied manuscript, the others are in print and available. For further stage works see also OPERAS and MUSICALS. .

LUCY & THE HUNTER (1951)

A Musical play for children in three acts. Book & lyrics by Sydney Carter. Music by Donald Swann. 1st performance: YWCA CENTRAL CLUB DRAMATIC SOCIETY 18th-21st June 1951.

Redrafted for TV January 1953 (with Guy Brenton) - not made. Songs rewritten early 1956.

Set in Brighton 1843. Lucy, a girl of 15, makes imaginary journeys into the dreams of her childhood guided by the ghost of Daniel Boone, the Hunter. In the course of which she catches a glimpse of the meaning of love and suffering.

Other Performances: Pendle Hill, USA c.1979, Malthouse Theatre, Sussex in 1985 (renamed THE GHOST OF DANIEL BOONE).

PUBLICATIONS: MUSIC

BRENDAN AHOY!

Dramatic cantata for children in one act.
Book & lyrics by Arthur Scholey. Music by Donald Swann.

St Brendan the 6th Century Irish Navigator searches for the Isle of Paradise with strange and wonderful adventures on his way.

First performance Stockton Town Hall, Cheshire, 21 May 1985.

PUBLICATIONS: MUSIC

The Arthur Scholey Website: http://www.arthurscholey.co.uk

THE SONG OF CAEDMON

Dramatic cantata for children in one act.
Book & lyrics by Arthur Scholey. Music by Donald Swann.

A Whitby Abbey farmhand's miraculous discovery of gift of poetry and song in the 7th Century.

First performance Macauley C of E School, Clapham, London, 24 July 1970.

PUBLICATIONS: MUSIC

The Arthur Scholey Website: http://www.arthurscholey.co.uk

BABOUSHKA

Opera for children in one act.
Book & lyrics by Arthur Scholey. Music by Donald Swann.

Opera based on Russian folk tale of a lady too busy to go with magi to Bethlehem.

First performance St Joseph's Middle School, Guildford, 29 November 1978.

PUBLICATIONS: MUSIC

The Arthur Scholey Website: http://www.arthurscholey.co.uk

WACKY & HIS FUDDLEJIG

Opera for children in one act.
Book & lyrics by Arthur Scholey. Music by Donald Swann.

A musical play for children based on Stan Summers' story of Wacky, one of Santa's workers who creates the ultimate anti-violence toy.

First performance St Joseph's Middle School, St James's, Piccadilly, London, 26 November 1976.

PUBLICATIONS: MUSIC
RECORDINGS: CASSETTES

The Arthur Scholey Website: http://www.arthurscholey.co.uk