Raffles of Singapore: the musical
by Richard Cleghorn-Brown and Ian Senior
Plot
This full-scale musical in two acts is based on the life of Sir Stamford Raffles. After 10 years as a clerk in the East India Company, he was posted to Penang (now in Malaysia). He rose rapidly to become a lieutenant governor, freeing slaves and introducing free trade.
In 1819 he founded a settlement at Singapore without the Company's permission. He was recalled, refused a pension and was financially ruined as a result. Singapore rapidly became a thriving city and its prosperity today is a remarkable tribute to Raffles's vision. Though the story is essentially rags-to-riches-to rags it is a heart-warming story with a bitter-sweet ending and plenty of humour on the way. As a historical costume piece, think of Les Mis.
Music
There are 18 musical numbers and various reprises. The music is melodic, haunting and memorable. It is scored for eight instruments. The musical numbers are integral with dialogue.
Company size
There are three leading roles
(Raffles, Olivia and Farquhar), six supporting roles and twelve small featured
roles including Charlotte, aged about 8.
An ensemble of about 10 performers is envisaged. Some doubling of minor roles is
possible. The show is eminently
suitable for enterprising pro-am societies.
Background to the musical
Raffles of Singapore was commissioned and produced by Sally Tunnicliffe, a producer then based in Singapore. It was performed in the Victoria Theatre, Singapore (900 seats) in 1979 for two weeks followed by a further week in Hong Kong. The director, musical director and actors were all West End professionals. The orchestration is by Richard M Brown, who for many years was MD for the Royal Shakespeare Company in the Barbican.
The performing rights for the UK Premiere have been taken by Henley Operatic (HAODS) for performances in The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames, 14-20 November 2010.