Bespoke Theatre for Diverse Communities
A Boy and His Robot
The Robot, The Boy and the Policeman
A Boy and His Robot was the first full length show that NPV made for Christmas, 1986. The Boy, the Little Robots and the School Children were members of the Four O’Clock Club. Adult actors were young performers working on the Children’s Touring Shows, several on government placements, (Thatcher’s Britain…..!) and was performed on a tiny stage space in little St Luke’s Hall. It was revived years later, in 1991 to be the first show in a new space, Havil Hall on Havil Street.
Story Line - A Boy and His Robot
There was once an Old Man who made magical robots. He lived with his little grandson Peter in a house where robots looked after them, making food, and keeping the house clean and tidy. Knowing he did not have long to live, the old man made a special robot to take care of Peter when he was gone. Soon the old man passed away, so the Robot became the new guardian of the boy. Helped by the Little Robots, he looked after the boy well. Soon Peter and his robot began to learn about the outside world. They walked in the parks and gardens, where the boy taught his robot to speak.
One day, when the Boy and his Robot were out together, three Nosey Ladies, Olga, Dot, and Ivy May, came marching by. These Ladies began to gossip about the pair, and between them decided that the boy Peter was living with a monster. They went off to tell the Judge their malicious story. The Judge decided that the Police should take the Boy away to a Children’s Home.
Characters and Costume designs
At the Children’s Home Peter tells the children that he has been living with a Robot. The Teacher thinks he is making up a story, and tells him not to tell lies. The Robot has been very upset and has been searching for the Boy. He goes to see the Headmaster of the Children’s Home, who tells the Robot he will never allow him to take the boy home. The Robot looks for the Boy to say goodbye, and looking for him suddenly appears in the class room – the children scream in amazement when they see a real robot – the boy was not telling lies! The teacher talks to the Robot and begins to change the way she thinks, but says he will never get charge of the boy unless he at least looks like a human. They make a plan – the robot will dress up as an American oil millionaire – a cowboy! – and pretend the boy is his long lost nephew.
At the school Christmas Party Olga, Dot and Ivy May are in charge of the refreshments and the Judge is an honoured guest. The ladies are hugely excited by the idea of a millionaire American, but summon the Police when they discover the deception. Peter and the Robot then make a run for it. After a chase the Police drag the runaways back to the school. The Judge is about to send the robot away, when the Teacher says he should ask Peter where he wants to live. All the children join in chanting, “Ask the boy, Ask the boy. “
Peter explains his Grandfather’s wishes, and says he will be a robot maker when he grows up. The Judge announces – “I have changed my mind. Go home and live with the robot!”
“Change is how old worlds will end…” Everyone sings, and Peter and the Robot go home to tea
Full scale musical for children and Family audiences
Cast
The Boy Peter: Boy actor aged seven or small eight, confident, natural actor, singer
His Grandfather: An old man. Adult actor, strong singer
The Robot Family
The Robot: Young actor late teens or twenties strong actor/singer excellent robotic movement
The Rubber Robot: Street dancer, male aged 12+
Girl Robot: Young girl dancer /actor aged 10+
Four Little Robots: Four matching size boys and or girls aged 8-10. Good movement, singing
Other Cast Members
Olga, Dot, and Ivy May: Three meddlesome middle aged ladies. Strong singing and considerable presence. They were played by young women
The Judge: Singer, male, over 21
The Policemen: Two tap dancing comedy cops, adult or older teens
The Head Teacher: Male over 21, character actor, singer
The Lady Teacher: Young adult actress, strong singer
The Orphan Children: Eight or more children, boys and girls, aged under 12. Four of them, good singers, to sing in a small group
Running time
1 hour
Music
A Boy and his Robot, Act 1 audio track
A Boy and his Robot, Act 2 audio track
Here is an early recording of the complete production of this show, enjoy!
There is a section in the film where the tempo is out of sync with the performers. We will be re-recording this to give a proper version of the songs in that act.
If you would like to perform A Boy and His Robot with your company, musical theatre society, or school, please email: productionshollyblue@gmail.com
Full script, backing tracks for complete show, vocal recordings for all songs, and original working designs are all available.
© Holly Blue Productions