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Honk Characters
Ugly
The lead – normally played by a fella, but has been done by a girl in disguise. Lots of singing, comedy, some pathos. Looking for a good actor who can build a strong relationship with the audience, and make them love him. Age range – from about 16 – 35 (?) – needs to be able to play a sweet innocent, anyway!
Ida
The leading lady – again, lots of singing, comedy and some pathos. Needs someone who can convince an audience of her strong maternal qualities. A great part.
Maureen the Moorhen
Great, lively comic role with a wonderfully energetic duet with IDA. She is usually dressed as a French maid, and often played as a cockney – but open to suggestions!
Drake
Flirtatious husband of the long-suffering Ida – a bit flash, unmindful of his husbandly duties and fond of the ladies. He also sings a couple of solos. Age fairly flexible.
Cat
Suave, crafty, and constantly after a meal – a great comic character! Has a duet with Ugly (great fun) and sings with Queenie and Lowbutt, and some solo lines in Chorus number. Is definitely a Tom cat, but could be played by the “right girl”.
Greylag
Lovely cameo part for a mature chap who can do the jolly British army sort – or should I say Air Force? Greylag is the commander of the Goose Squadron – character a bit like Col. Hathi in Jungle Book. He leads the “Wild Goose Chase” song, but doesn’t necessarily need to be an accomplished singer.
Dot
Dot is Greylag’s right hand “person” – a sort of air hostess-cum-lieutenant. She keeps Greylag in order and organizes the squadron when he muffs everything and forgets what he is supposed to do. Has a solo part in “Wild Goose Chase” – good small comedy role.
Bullfrog
Flash, friendly, huge, loveable character – a sort of music hall comedian of the frog world. Needs an actor who loves to get out there and sell himself to the audience (although it is possible this could be played by a lady!). Big personality needed. Has the “Warts and All” solo, but don’t worry about the singing too much – the acting is much more important. He’s someone who has to hold a big number together and get the audience singing along. Nice, cameo part.
Lowbutt and Queenie
Lowbutt is a hen and Queenie a very unusual female cat – unusual in that she is a vegetarian, and her best friend is a hen! These are basically two single ladies living a very cosy life in what they consider to be a most select neighbourhood – out of which they are determined to keep any riff-raff. All is perfect, until their world is disturbed by the eruption of first Ugly, then the Tom Cat . .
Great, distinctive character parts, with one unforgettable duet.
Turkey, Henrietta
Small speaking parts but great Chorus involvement – nice if you don’t want too many lines to learn!
Greylag
Greylag’s RAF squadron – nice small comedy/chorus support roles.
Grace
Her Grace is the oldest and most distinguished foul on the lake, respected by everyone – a sort of Lady Bracknell of the duck world, but nicer. No solo singing.
NB This is a show where parts can easily be doubled if necessary. Although we are looking for singers, don’t worry too much – the acting is most important. Above all, a sense of fun and willingness to commit and enjoy is what is needed. This is a great show with lots to do for its Chorus but no real stress in the dance department – so no worries there! The aim above all is to make the show a magical experience for its audience – and with a great script and songs we have a good start.
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Productions
