WHITECHAPEL" - by Mark Kelser, Jon Bartlett with Martin Sterling
"Chasing Rainbows", "She's The One" and "Dreams Come True" - Featured in A STAGE KINDLY presents "Bravo".
Over a hundred years ago in the dark Shadows of Gaslit London, Annie, the beautiful daughter of an impoverished villager, arrives in Whitechapel looking for work. She encounters the Rich and Powerful Eddie, who with very Royal connections, she begins an intense and Tragic affair with. However, the Amorous artist Stephen Stewart, with his Dark portraits of Sexuality, Cruelty and Mystery also harbours a secret desire for Eddie, so will stop at nothing short of destroying Her.
The Streetwise Mary, a Brash, Tough yet vulnerable Woman, befriends Annie and tries to help her, but with her own Love for the Brutish John Netley, a Shifty and extremely ambitious Coach Driver going unnoticed, she is increasingly drawn into his Decadent and Dark underworld, while her friends, Emily, Lizzie, Cath and Maggie, live out there Dour existences as prostitutes on the backstreets of Whitechapel.
Charlie Armstrong is the popular Bar keep who runs the Ten Bells Public House and who knows when to turn a blind eye, but can he be trusted? With his soft Irish accent, and rougish good looks, this swaggering Romeo is out to charm as many girls as possible, but when he meets Sarah Twotrees, who appears disguised as a man to act on stage, he is inspired to change and win her heart.
But will the Dark, Dank, Squalor of the East End swallow them all up when the wheels of Victorian London grind into action? Can Eddie endure the torment of bitter scandal? Is Annie to be abandoned and Stephen brought to task for the sake of his family? Will Mary's feelings of love for Netley ever be realised? And can Charlie abandon his past for the love of a woman? Whitechapel charts all their journeys in Mark Kelsers's Stunning new story of Murder, Intrigue and Deception, while his music, together with the collaboration of Jon Bartlett, will sweep you away with unforgettable melodies from a bygone era.
Cast of Characters
Stephen Stewart: - A handsome, successful artist with the important knack of mixing in the right circles. When the Royal family hear of his growing reputation, he is introduced to Prince Eddie and they become close friends. Stephen works from a chaotic studio in Whitechapel and enjoys the rare freedom of moving effortlessly across social strata. Age: 20/36
Prince Eddie: - The young Eddie is a great lover of the arts, parties and women, but since becoming injured in a hunting accident finds himself less the man he was. He is naive, childlike and vaguely artistic. Easily manipulated by the Bohemian community he is a constant source of concern to his friends and his family. Age; 20/30
Annie Crook/Alice Crook: - A warm hearted, impressionable young woman with a tendency to daydream. With her pretty looks and petite figure, she is spotted in Whitechapel by Eddie who, in a moment of instant attraction, asks her out. Despite her innocence she tries hard to be a good Catholic girl and is determined not to end up as a Prostitute. Age: 19/27
Mary Kelly: - More 'street-wise' and experienced than Annie, She is brash and does what is necessary to keep herself in drink but beneath her tough exterior lies a vulnerable woman with a heart of gold. Chapel born and bred. Is in love with John Netley, but her love goes unnoticed. Age: 25/35
John Netley:- Spent most of his life travelling the globe as a sailor, fisherman and explorer and now Coach driver for the Prince. He is mercenary, shifty and extremely ambitious. His acquaintances with the famous allow him to slip in and out of social circles almost unnoticed.
Age: 36
Charlie Armstrong: - landlord of the Ten Bells Public House in Whitechapel. The Irish Charlie is Experienced but kindly publican who knows when to turn a blind eye. Age:45
Mr Sarah TwoTrees: Actor/Comedian. When unable to purchase drinks she offers her services to entertain the locals. She is a fun-loving, amiable cheeky character. Ages:22.
Prostitutes: Maggie, Emily, Lizzie,Cath
Emily: - Young, naïve who although good friends with the other girls, really wants to make something of her life. Is desperate to learn to read as thinks that this is a way out for her. Age: 15
Maggie: Bawdy prostitute, lives for the moment, streetwise and clever. Has learnt from bitter experience not to trust anyone, but enjoys a laugh. Age: 38
Liz: Quiet, lives very much in Maggie's shadow, accepting of her lot and is in debt to Netley. Not very confident. 25.
Cath; Like Maggie, but believes her true love will one day come back from sea and marry her.
All the girls live a sad and dour lives scraping a meagre existence together on the streets
The Judge - Ensemble - Aged 50
Pamphlateer - Ensemble - Aged 20
Police Man - Ensemble - Aged 50
Pinafore Billy - Ensemble - Aged 30
Girl Dancer 1 & 2 - Ensemble - Ages 18/30
Chorus of Street Traders, Pub Locals, Passers-by
A total of 7 principles, 4step outs and 9 ensemble. Making it a total of 20 people in the cast.