The idea of the same characters running through the songs on my new album is an intriguing possibility.
So far, I have the following three couples in mind…
Kevin and Carol (both in their early twenties)
Dawn and former partner Nathan (in their late twenties).
Courtney and Jade (early to mid-thirties)
Relationships explored in the songs:
Kevin and Carol
Dawn > Nathan, plus Dawn > Courtney and Jade (Head above water)
Courtney > Jade, plus Courtney > Dawn (She reminds me of you + Farewell to your Valentine)
Carol > Kevin, plus Carol > Nathan (The girl I never had)
Nathan > Dawn, plus Nathan > Carol (Girl on the train)
Jade > Courtney
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. Also on stage, all the characters: Courtney, Jade, Dawn and Nathan contributing with harmonies.
Head above water
Dawn, a single mother, in her flat. She wonders if the father, Nathan, will appear. Secretly she harbours thoughts about Courtney and Jade. Sung by Jade, plus Carol on choruses. Nathan enters at 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 Dawn and chorus of Courtney, Jade and Nathan. Kevin and Carol present.
Quids in
Sung by salesman Nathan, having been ejected from a club in Leake Street by door manager Courtney.
She reminds me of you
Courtney may be living with Jade, but Dawn 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. Nathan passes by. Perhaps it was him?
Love on a summer’s day
Nathan – the former partner of Dawn – walking along the Southbank and thinking about their daughter whom he only sees occasionally. Dawn watches from a distance.
Farewell to your valentine
Courtney ends his on-off relationship with Dawn, choosing to stay with Jade. 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. Chorus of Courtney + Nathan.
Girl on the train
Carol and Nathan on the concourse at Waterloo Station. Sung by Dawn and Jade.
Caring soul
The male characters express their commitment to their partners. Kevin to Carol and Courtney to Jade and Nathan to Dawn. 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?
Sung with chorus. Lead vocals: Dawn and Jade
Waterloo sunrise (theme)
Shots of the Southbank and Thames
N.B. Character development, stage direction and script/book to follow.
