Thursday, 28 September 2017

Coram Boy by Helen Edmundson. nick Hearn Books (NHB)

Time 1742-1750

Accents West Country, RP and cockney London

Place London and Gloucester

Set Mainly in Gloucester Cathedral, Ashbrook House and various London locations such as the Thames 

Specicify There are specific references to the places the play is set in, there may be variations of the accents




Characters 
Alexander 15
Thomas 10
Meshak 10-14
Otis/ Gaddard 35-45
Mrs Lynch 40-50
Dr Smith- choir master 50-65
Miss Price 20-30
Claymore- local magistrate 50-65
Lady Ashbrook 40-50
Sir William 50-60
Isobel-10-13
Melissa 15
Adult Isobel 18-21
Adult Thomas 18-21
Adult Meshak (Mish) 18-24
Aaron 8
Toby 10
Adult Alexander 23
Adult Melissa 23
Handel 57-65

Key words

Classical music
Choir
Family disputes
Gentry
Poverty
Opportunist 
Murder
Coram
London 
Gloucester 
Slavery
Rich
Poor
Abuse
Parents
Musician
Responsibility
Duty
Love
Teenage pregnancy
Naivety 
Lies
Hanging
Child labour
Handel
Genius
Heir

Synopsis
Coram boy is adapted from the original novel written by Jamila Gavin.

Alexander Ashbrook is a musical protégée  and the heir to Ashbrook House. Alexander's future responsibilities clash with his love of music. Sir William Ashbrook bans Alex from his music when it becomes apparent that he would rather pursue music instead of fulfilling his family responsibilities as the next Lord of Ashbrook House. In a heated disagreement Alex runs away and is not seen for eight years. 

Before Alex leaves he falls in love with his cousin Mellissa and gets her pregnant. Alex is unaware of her pregnancy in his eight year absence. Mellissa has the baby but to save the family from shame she is told that the baby was still born. The baby is given to opportunist, Otis, who hands it to his mistreated Coram Boy Meshak to dispose with. Meshak in his guilt for doing evil deeds for Otis, secretly keeps the boy alive and names him Aaron. 

It is discovered that Otis had been using the ground of Ashbrook House to bury babies, through a money making scheme, telling poor mothers that there child will have a much better life, which they pay for as well as handing over there children. It appears that Otis is caught and is then hung at the gallows.

Eight years on new protégé Aaron is discovered by classical genius, Handel and  is taken under his wing. Aaron sounds and looks very much like Alexander. Aaron is placed in a choir lead by Thomas, Alexanders best friend. Thomas takes his choir back to Ashbrook House where it becomes clear that Aaron strikes a similar resemblance to Alex.

Events unfold, Alexander returns, And discovers Aaron, he is reunited with his family and Mellissa not before a dramatic return of Otis who takes Aaron and is about to escape with him. Thomas, Alexander and Meshak save Aaron and friend Toby from Otis.

Arron begins life with his father and Mother and Toby is adopted as his brother.

Monologues and duologues etc...

There are no notable monologues or duologues in this play due it being adapted from a novel, is rapid scene changes and multiple characters 

Links to writer: Helen Edmundson



























Written by Josh Ashley-Smith






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