The Ideal Gnome Expedition

The Ideal Gnome Expedition (sometimes called Chish 'n' Fips) is a British musical play, with book, music and lyrics by children's playwright David Wood. It was first staged in 1980, and has since been adapted as a TV series and staged by several companies, including amateur groups. It tells of the adventures of a pair of garden gnomes who decided to take a vacation and set out looking for a sunny island.

The Ideal Gnome Expedition
Written byDavid Wood
CharactersMr. Fisher, Mr. Wheeler, Chips, Baby Duck
Date premiered1980
Place premieredLiverpool Playhouse
Original languageEnglish
SubjectGnomes
GenreChildren's entertainment
Official site

Production

David Wood is known for his children's plays.[1] The play was commissioned from Wood by William Gaunt, director of the Liverpool Playhouse. The play was advertised and first staged as Chish 'n' Fips, but when it was written the plot ended up with no connection to the title.[2] It was produced in southern England in the Christmas 1980–81 season.[3] Later it was put on at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London by Whirligig Theatre, and went on tour in the autumn of 1981.[4] The play continued to be performed throughout the 1980s.[5]

Wood changed the name to the more descriptive The Ideal Gnome Exhibition in 1981, although it reverted to its original title when it became a television series and a book. According to the author, the idea of changing the name to The Ideal Gnome Expedition came after he had read an article about the Ideal Home Exhibition. When the play was adapted as a television series the producer said he preferred the original title Chish 'n' Fips, and the series used that name.[2] In the TV show, produced by Central Independent TV, the two garden gnomes live in the garden behind a fish and chips shop.[6]

The play has two acts and six scenes. There are six roles.[7] Clive Mantle starred in a production of the play.[8] Chris Clarkson played the character of Wacker in a David Bown production of the play.[9] The play was revived by the Hartley Players in 2010.[10]

Plot

The story tells of two garden gnomes, Mr. Fisher and Mr. Wheeler, who decide to leave the yard to explore the world and find a holiday island, but who find the urban town setting confusing until they meet the cat Chips, who helps them navigate the city and find their island.[4] The outcome is different from what they expected, but they agree that it was the best holiday they had ever had.[11]

Reception

A 2005 staging in Leeds was called "A charming production by the Leeds Children's Theatre with a captivating storyline for youngsters". The reviewer said "The songs and music for this production is by David Wood OBE, and this again is aimed very much at the level of youngsters, being catchy, melodic and simple but effective."[12]

References
    1. "David Wood". Amber Lane Press. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
    2. Wood, David (2014-07-24). Wood Plays: 1. A&C Black. p. xix–xx. ISBN 978-1-4725-3687-7. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
    3. Plays and Players. Hansom Books. 1981. p. 52.
    4. Wood, David. "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". DavidWood.org. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
    5. Plays International. Chancery Publications. 1989. p. 28.
    6. Wall, C. Edward (1989). Media Review Digest. Pierian Press. p. 49. ISBN 9780876502334.
    7. "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". Drama Online. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
    8. "Clive Mantle". Film Reference. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
    9. "Jack & The Beanstalk, Harrogate Theatre, until January 13". The York Press. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
    10. "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". The Hartley Players. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
    11. "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". The Guide to Musical Theatre. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
    12. John Burland (19 November 2005). "The Ideal Gnome Expedition". BBC Leeds. Retrieved 2014-09-14.
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