Overview
Synopsis
It’s 23 April, Shakespeare’s birthday, Nora and Dora Chance’s birthday, and Peregrine and Sir Melchior Hazard’s 100th birthday. A bond links them all. Melchior Hazard, the greatest Shakespearean actor of his generation, is the natural father of twins Nora and Dora, but they are divided by a river and a lifetime of lies. Rejected by their father, Nora and Dora are brought up in a theatrical boarding house by Grandma Chance and supported by their Uncle Peregrine. Now, on their 75th birthday, they tell the story of their lives as showgirls, daughters, lovers, and carers. Is it too late to find acceptance from their father? And are there any more skeletons to come out of the closet? Wise Children is adapted from Angela Carter’s 1991 novel of the same name and tells a bawdy and extravagant tale of joy, heartbreak, lechery, and forgiveness. It is a brilliantly bonkers, spangly theatrical world where normal rules are thrown out of the window and confusion reigns.
Editor’s Note: This is a play with music and, in the original production, the actors were also the musicians and dancers. However, this can be adapted as needed.
Show Information
- Book
- Emma Rice
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Angela Carter's Wise Children (1991 novel)
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2018
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Unit/Single Set, Spectacle
- Time & Place
- Brixton, London, 1989
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Small
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Ideal For
- College/University, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Young Adult, Adult Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Alto, Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher