Coram Boy (NHB Modern Plays)

by HelenEdmundson (Adapter)

• New

  Paperback
  2005

  $12.22

  The National Theatre's 2005 Christmas show: an expert dramatisation of this Whitbread Children's Book Award-winner. A fitting follow-up to His Dark Materials , Jamila Gavin's Whitbread Award-winning Coram Boy , set in the 18th century, is a tale of two cities - Gloucester and London - and of two boys: Toby, saved from an African slave ship, and Aaron, illegitimate heir to a great estate. Also a tale of fathers and sons: slave-trader Otis and his son Meshak; and landowner Sir William Ashbrook and the son he disinherits. This is the story where the National Theatre has chosen its Christmas show on its biggest stage: last occupied at this time of year by His Dark Materials. Cleverly, they have also chosen Helen Edmundson to adapt it, who has already fashioned magnificent plays out of The Mill on the Floss , Anna Karenina and War and Peace . The result - with a cast of twenty and sumptuous sets and costumes - is set fair to be another box-office smash.

• Used

  Paperback
  2004

  $3.25

  A tale of tradition, corruption, strife and growing-up from award-winning author Jamila Gavin. Otis takes babies and money off desperate mothers, promising to deliver them to the Coram Foundling Hospital in London. Instead, he murders them and buries them by the roadside, to the helpless horror of his mentally ill son, Mish. When Melissa, beloved of Alexander Ashbrook and daughter of his governess becomes pregnant by him, her mother arranges for the Otis to take the child, telling Melissa it was stillborn. Alexander, not knowing Melissa's condition, has fled his home for a career in music. But Mish manages to save Melissa's baby, Aaron, and he grows up with Toby, the son of an African slave, inseparable friends. Toby is a plaything at the house of rich Mr Gaddarn, who is, in fact, Otis. When Mish sees Aaron and Alexander together, and realises the family link, he takes Aaron and Toby to Otis, who rejects them. A way must be found to rescue them, but a great friend must die before the family can be reunited. A vivid, challenging and at times harrowing story from the author of the Surya Trilogy, Coram Boy is Jamila Gavin at her very best. 'Brilliant, moving and ultimately compelling' - Whitbread Children's Book of the Year Judging Panel

• Used

  Hardcover
  2002

  $3.25

• New

  Hardcover
  2007

  $20.10

  An epic adventure filled with danger and excitement. Perfect for studying author s craft, plot and comparing two writers from different centuries. On stage, this script is great for creating high dramatic tension and provides 15 colourful parts.