The idea of the same characters running through the songs on my new album is an intriguing possibility.
Plus these ideas build upon the characters and situations established in the lyrics of the songs on the Birdcage album.
I have the following three couples in mind…
Kevin and Carol (both in their early twenties)
Mary and former partner Joe (in their late twenties).
Liam and Colleen (early to mid-thirties)
Relationships explored in the songs:
Kevin > Carol
Mary > Joe, plus Mary > Liam and Colleen (Head above water)
Liam > Colleen, plus Liam > Mary (She reminds me of you + Farewell to your Valentine)
Carol > Kevin, plus Carol > Joe (The girl I never had)
Joe > Mary, plus Joe > Carol (Girl on the train)
Colleen > Liam
The songs in order:
Falling off the edge of the world
A couple on the Thames riverside, Kevin and Carol, express their newly found desire for each other. All the characters are onstage: Liam, Colleen, Joe and Mary contributing with harmonies.
Head above water
Mary, a single mother, in her flat. She wonders if the father, Joe, will appear. Secretly she harbours thoughts about Liam and Colleen. Sung by Colleen, plus Carol on choruses. Joe and Liam enter at the end.
Trust
Later that evening, Kevin is in the Prince William Henry with his mates. His girlfriend Carol is with a friend in The Wellington. Sung by Mary plus Colleen on choruses. Kevin and Carol present.
Quids in
Sung by salesman Joe, joined by Kevin, having been ejected from a club in Leake Street by door manager Liam.
She reminds me of you
Sung by Liam, who may be living with Colleen, but Mary is on his mind. Location: Lower Marsh St. All three present.
The girl I never had
Carol imagines the kid she may have had with a previous lover. Joe passes by. Perhaps he was the lover? Kevin in distance.
Love on a summer’s day
Joe – the former partner of Mary – walking along the Southbank and thinking about their daughter, whom he only sees occasionally.
Farewell to your valentine
Liam ends his on-off relationship with Mary, choosing to stay with Colleen. All three present by end.
Promises at midnight
Carol keeps Kevin at bay. He leaves somewhat frustrated but clear of her demands. Location: Bus Cafe.
(London never will be) Nashville Tennessee
Kevin is disheartened by the corporate commercialisation of the area.
Girl on the train
Carol and Joe on the concourse at Waterloo Station. Sung by Mary and Colleen. Watched by Liam.
Caring soul
The male characters express their commitment to their partners. Kevin to Carol, Liam to Colleen and Joe to Mary. One verse each in order. Location: Roupell Street.
In the comfort of strangers
Finale: everyone together at a memorial service at St John’s Church. Hint at who passed away? Lead vocals: Mary and Colleen
Waterloo sunrise (theme)
Shots of the Southbank and Thames
Each character delivers lead vocals three times, harmonies twice and is notably on stage a further three times. Making eight dramatic appearances in total.
N.B. Character development, stage direction and script/book to follow.
