Plague! The Musical

Plague-musical-poster

Plague! The Musical is a musical comedy that premiered in 2008. The show was written by David Massingham and Matthew Townend, with music composed by Matthew Townend. It is set during the time of the Great Plague of London in 1665 and follows the story of a young man named Clive Hucklefish as he navigates the chaos and absurdity of the plague-ridden city.

Plot

The musical opens with the introduction of Clive Hucklefish, a naive and optimistic young man who arrives in London seeking his fortune. Unbeknownst to him, the city is in the grip of the bubonic plague. Clive quickly finds himself entangled with a variety of eccentric characters, including a corrupt mayor, a quack doctor, and a group of plague survivors who have formed a bizarre cult.

As the plague spreads, Clive falls in love with a young woman named Isabella, who is determined to find a cure for the disease. Together, they embark on a quest to save the city, encountering numerous comedic obstacles along the way. The musical combines dark humor with catchy songs, satirizing the historical events of the plague while also providing a commentary on human nature and society.

Characters

• Clive Hucklefish - The protagonist, a young man who comes to London seeking his fortune.
• Isabella - A determined young woman who is searching for a cure for the plague.
• The Mayor - The corrupt and bumbling leader of London.
• Dr. Quack - A fraudulent doctor who peddles fake cures.
• The Cult Leader - The head of a group of plague survivors who have formed a strange cult.

Musical Numbers

The musical features a variety of songs that blend humor with historical references. Some of the notable numbers include:

• "Welcome to London"
• "The Plague is Here"
• "Quack, Quack, Quack"
• "Love in the Time of Plague"
• "Cure for the Ages"

Production History

Plague! The Musical premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2008, where it received positive reviews for its witty script and engaging musical numbers. The show has since been performed by various theater companies and has developed a cult following.

Reception

Critics have praised Plague! The Musical for its clever writing and memorable songs. The musical's unique blend of dark comedy and historical satire has been highlighted as one of its strongest points. Audiences have also responded positively to the show's humor and the performances of its cast.

Legacy

Plague! The Musical has become a popular choice for amateur theater groups and has been performed in various locations around the world. Its success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe helped to establish it as a notable work in the genre of musical comedy.

See Also

• Great Plague of London
• Musical theatre
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• Bubonic plague