The Musical Numbers

Act One

Song 1. Camille Maria Montpell

Song 2. Who Is This Man?

Song 3. How Did You Meet Grandmama?

Song 5. Breathless Beauty

Song 6. A Man You Can Depend

Song 7. Is This The Time?

Song 9. Theatre On Fire!

Act Two

Song 10. The Can-Can Can

Song 11. A Love For An Absent Man

Song 12. Designs From Life!

Song 13. What Does Santa Do On N.Y.E

Song 15. The London Coliseum

Song 16. The Thrill Of Life

Song 17. Finale - Who Is This Man?

The Lyrics

Song No. 1 - Camille Maria Montpell

Viscount: Camille Maria Montpell, Camille Maria Montpell, Camille Maria Montpell, Camille Maria Montpell,

Villagers: Camille Maria Montpell, Camille Maria Montpell, Camille Maria Montpel

Camille: ….. And now I’m free…… I am free….

Unleashed by the shackles of life

Where rumours and idle chatter were rife

I lived life with freedom and flare

Constrained by nothing, without a care

Viscount: And now I’m free……

Camille: I am free…

Viscount: I am free…

Camille: I am free…

Viscount: I’m free…. (Aria)

Villagers: Camille Maria Montpell, her beauty was desired

An opera star that captivates, and sets the world on fire

Cholera took her all to soon, at 28 she dies

The myths that surround her, filled with jealousy and lies

Ladies: Provocative, intoxicating, she drives our menfolk insane

Alluring seductive attraction, hypnotic magnetism met with distain

Viscount: A supernatural being, shocking society to the end

The passing of her spirit, we cannot now depend

Men: Her mesmerising smile and beauty dancing naked in the rain

Enchanting mythical mystery, hearts won without restrain

She bathed in French champagne, entertained the finest of men

Young woman fainted too, just in her presence to the end.

All: Camille Maria Montpell,

Camille: Aria

All: Camille Maria Montpell,

Camille: Aria

All: Camille Maria Montpell,

Camille: Aria

Viscount: Camille Maria Montpell

All: Camille Maria Montpell, Camille Maria Montpell, Camille Maria….

Viscount: Camille Maria… I’m free…… And now I’m free…. I’m free

Camille: I am free………

Viscount: I’m free…….

Song No. 2: Who Is This Man?

Clare: Who was this genius, who is this man? Who built these stunning theatre’s all across the land.

Nick: Each entertainment palace, a joy to behold. From commission to creation, a story to be told. All: Who’s Matcham? Frank Matcham. You can’t Match‘im, Frank Matcham.

Henry: It all starts out in Devon, ambitions to succeed. Then onto London Town, fulfilling growing needs.

David: Spectacular new theatre’s, to please the growing crowds. Let’s put his name in lights, we all should shout out loud.

All: Who’s Matcham? Frank Matcham. You can’t Match‘im, Frank Matcham.

Nick: Ten thousand drawings found, structures to design. One hundred year’s of theatre, a legacy yours and mine.

Clare: One hundred & seventy theatre’s, some jewels, & some sublime Staging - Variety, Ballet, Opera, to last for all time.

All: Who’s Matcham? Frank Matcham. You can’t Match’im, Frank Matcham. You can’t’ Match’im, Matchless Matcham, Magnificent Matcham, Frank Matcham

Try reading the lyrics whilst listening to the songs to understand the correct characters and wording

Song No. 3: How Did You Meet Grandmama?

Granddaughter: Dear grandpa we love you, you’re our hero, you’re our

friend.

Grandson: You make us howl with laughter, your love we can depend.

Both: Please tell us now dear Grandpa, we really have to know; How did you meet our Grandmama, all those years ago?

Frank (60’s): I can recall, the very moment, as if yesterday.

When my eyes first met your grandmama’s, casts my life in disarray.

Maria (20’s): He had travelled, up to London, an apprenticeship to fill,

Aged just 15, bound from Devon, his birth place calm and still.

Frank (20’s): With an interest in architecture, quantity surveyor was my trade,

At 13 I joined Bridgman builders, where foundations were laid.

Maria (60’s): His father, a Brewers Manager, for the Bridgman family.

For public houses, and entertainment, at the seaside town Torquay.

Frank (60’s): George Bridgman had ambitions, for theatre’s in Devon towns.

So he sent me off to London, for new skills to be found.

Frank (20’s): Then one night at the music hall, sat up in the gallery.

I looked down to the royal boxes, to see my mentors family.

Frank (60’s): I had been given a ticket, to admire the wonders of the town. The beauty of your grandma’s face, our eyes met love was found.

Frank (20’s): The emotion of the music, that spins around my mind.
But not quite yet the timing for, my heart felt love to find.

Granddaughter: So was it love at first sight Grandpa. The night you saw grandma?

Grandson: Was it then when your eyes did meet, your heart had lit a fire?

Frank (60’s): First I headed back to Devon, to fulfill my masters dream.

Designs for a palacious mansion, for the Singer family.

Maria (60’s): An ambitious, American inventor, of an automatic sewing machine.

An ex-actor, desires a home theatre, in style of King Louis the XIV.

Maria (20’s): At 21, he came of age, drawn back to the City lights.

Securing work for my dear papa, with theatre building rights.

Frank (60’s): The builder of London’s Old Vic, an auditorium of high order.

Advisor to The Lord Chamberlain, the theatre safety enforcer.

Frank (20’s): But more important than his theatre’s and architectural life.

He was the father of my only love, my devoted loyal wife.

Maria (20’s): Then my father passed suddenly, and left us in despair.

Frank took on new responsibilities, with family love and care.

Frank (60’s & 20’s): So that night at the music hall sat up in the gallery.

I looked down at the royal boxes, to see my mentors family.

I had been given a ticket, to admire the wonders of the town.

But it was the beauty of your grandma’s face, our eyes met love was found.

Granddaughter: Oh grandpapa that was wonderful….

Frank: Now can you both keep a secret?

Grandchildren: Yes, Yes, what is it?

Frank: Well, your grandmama and I have a special song that means the world to us. A Music Hall favourite that reminds us of when we first met. Would you like to hear it?

Granddaughter: Yes, yes please, we’d love to hear it.

Grandson: Go on grandpapa please!

Song No. 5: Breathless Beauty

Maria: As we stroll up Shaftesbury Avenue, he takes me by the hand

I grow giddy at the sight of him, as I get to know this man

What is this funny feeling, my knees weaken by his side

A man so strong, reliable, will he take me for his bride?

Both: La la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la la

Is this love that I’m feeling, as I see my passion grow

My head is dizzy in a spin, he leaves me with a glow

How do I win his affections, is he the one for me?

Am I the one to win his heart, with love does he hold the key

Both: La la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la la

Maria:…..I’m in love, I’m in love, breathless beauty….

Frank: As we walk up Shaftesbury Avenue, I take her by the hand

The beauty of this theatre land, Covent Garden to The Strand

Each architectural structure, a wonderment to behold

Maria: A drive and passion to succeed, an ambition so bold

Both: La la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la la

Maria: A love that I’m feeling, as I see my passion grow

Frank: My head is dizzy in a spin, it leaves me with a glow

Both: How to succeed in designing, new theatre’s across this land

Frank: Am I the one to make this work, will she even understand

Both: La la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la la

Maria: …..So in love, so in love, breathless beauty….

Both: La la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la la

Maria: A love that I’m feeling, as I see my passion grow

Frank: My head is dizzy in a spin, it leaves me with a glow

Maria: How do I win his affections, is he the one for me?

Frank: Am I the one to make this work, I’m blind I cannot see

Both: La la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la la…

We’re in love, so in love, breathless beauty…

Song No. 6: A Man I Can Depend

Maria: A walk in a park, a day on the Thames.

He’d take me by the hand, a man I could depend.

His warmth, his smile, his charm, would fill my heart with glee.

There never was a time, that didn’t have you and me.

But another day so empty, with you not around,

I miss the sound of laugher, a feeling loss profound.

I miss him more than ever, without him by my side.

I have no tears left to cry, from the day my papa died.

I just cry, just to cry, just cry.

Tell me now dear father, give your answer true.

How do I live without you, please tell me what to do.

Mother grieves so deeply, our family so bereft.

My body feels so empty, I’ve really nothing left…

But to cry, just to cry, just cry…. (She sobs)

Frank: My darling Maria, I’m here for you my dear.

Your father taken all too soon, my mentor, my peer.

He taught me much, to carry on, with you by my side.

The strength we have together, the love we cannot hide.

We will forge new beginnings, to take us to the end.

Take my hand, my darling, I’m a man you can depend.

As we both move on together, this family will prevail.

I will take this moment forward, disasters to curtail.

So don’t cry, don’t you cry, don’t cry.

I will build a new found future, with you by my side

To save your Papa’s theatre legacy, theres nothing I won’t try

From the ashes of despair, I promise this to you

With vigor and compassion, I will know just what to do

So don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.

Song No 7: Is This The Time?

Craftsman: Work just work… creating something from nothing

Work just work… making something from nothing

Work just work… building something from nothing

Work just work… creating something from nothing

Frank: (To himself to start)

Have I taken on too much, too soon, am I ready to succeed.

Following Jethro’s theatre plans, can I do what we agreed.

Having promised Maria oh so much, I’m not sure if I even can.

If I fail now at the first hurdle, will she even understand.

Is this the time…. to step up and be counted.

A life of purpose…. vocation now well-founded.

So many people…. looking to me, to succeed

Is now the time…. for me to take the lead.

Craftsman: Work just work….. Creating something from nothing. Work just work.

Bracher: You’re wrong, the walls aren’t strong enough to carry the roof.

The district surveyor has now served a statuary notice as proof.

Foundations and proscenium walls are of grave concern here too.

Frank: I know that we have got this right, the work must continue.

Craftsman: Work just work….. Making something from nothing. Work just work.

Bracher: Metropolitan Buildings Act insists construction is suspended.

The theatre needs a redesign as the surveyor recommended.

You must change your plans immediately to halt this discontent.

Frank: Ok, I will strengthen walls and arches in stronger cement.

Is this the time….. to step up and be counted.

A life of purpose…. vocation now well-founded.

So many people….. looking to me, to succeed.

Is now the time….. for me to take the lead.

Craftsman: Work just work….. Building something from nothing. Work just work.

De Jong: Beautiful ornate plasterwork, created to your artistic detail

Lazarus: Seating has been built precisely to your perfect fit and scale

Dean: The master furnishings are now in place, ready for your approval

Frank: Thank you all our craftsman, your input has been crucial

Craftsman: Work just work….. Creating something from nothing. Work just work.

(Loud destructive sound as the proscenium walls give way)

Aubrey: Disaster struck as we see the proscenium arch walls give way

Bracher: The iron girder crashes down with scaffolding in disarray

Aubrey: We need to finish this build, to its original planned deadline

Frank: Ok, It will be designed and finished in time

This is the time….. to step up, and be counted.

A life of purpose…. vocation now, well-founded

So many people….. looking to me, to succeed.

Now is the time….. Now is the time…..

Now is the time…. for me to take the lead.

Craftsman:

Work just work… creating something from nothing

Work just work… making something from nothing

Work just work… building something from nothing

Work just work… Just work…Just work…. Just work!

Song No. 9: Theatre on Fire!

All: Fire… I hear fire… I smell fire… I see fire

Shield me from the flames… Shield me from the Light

Shield me from the heat…Shield me from this plight.

Fire… Fire…Fire… Fire!

Small Child: It’s the opening night, September the 5th in 1887

A Mother: Fire irrupts at the Theatre Royal in Exeter in Devon,

A Father: During the romantic production of The Romany Rye

Older Lady: Fire causes panic,186 people tragically die.

Couple: A combination from effects of smoke and scorching flame.

Older Man: Crushing and the trampling, life would never be the same.

Young Lady: Traumatic injuries from falling, jumping balconies and roof.

An Actor: Demand for safer theatres has there ever been more proof.

All: Fire… I hear fire… I smell fire… I see fire

Shield me from the flames… Shield me from the Light

Shield me from the heat…Shield me from this plight.

Fire… Fire…Fire… Fire!

Stage Manager: The death toll the worst theatre fire in UK history.

Young Man: Most of the dead were found way up in the gallery

Old Couple: Just one single exit reveals the traumatic design flaws.

Usher: People clogged squeezing through narrow smoked filled doors.

Young Couple: Fire ignites elaborate scenery spotted way backstage.

Old Lady: Fireman’s hose has no effect; the alarm takes such an age.

Family: The stage doors are opened, a draft fans the burning flames.

Woman: Scenery dropped to shield the crowds, simply re-ignites again.

All: Fire… I hear fire… I smell fire… I see fire

Shield me from the flames… Shield me from the Light

Shield me from the heat…Shield me from this plight.

Fire… Fire…Fire… Fire!

Manager: While the stalls and dress circle patrons make their escape.

Poor Lady: Crushing in the cheaper seats, the balconies have to wait.

Rich Man: A rush for the exits pushing panic shouts and screams.

Couple: The sound of death and burning, crushing lifelong dreams.

Older Man: Gas light valves are cut off dead to quell the flaming mess

Young Couple: Fleeing guests plunged into bleak terrifying darkness

Mother: This harrowing nightmare people crushed by the crowd

Child: The smoke and fumes and burning skin should never be allowed.

All: Fire… I hear fire… I smell fire… I see fire

Men Only: Shield me from the flames… Shield me from the Light

Woman Only: Shield me from the heat…Shield me from this plight.

Lowly Child’s Voice: Fire… Fire…Fire… Fire…. Fire!All: Who’s Matcham? Frank Matcham. You can’t Match‘im, Frank Matcham.

Song No. 11 - Love For An Absent Man

Maria: A gentle kiss… a warm embrace…

He walks away… then turns to say….

I love you…. I love you too

My heart skips a beat

Then on repeat… he is gone…

He’s gone, he is gone

Don’t know, for how long

Everything, feels wrong

He’s gone, he is gone

Alone again… my absent friend…

I start….. my lone romance

To the sound of his Stradivarius

I take….. my solo dance…..

I miss him so…… when he’s away…..

An empty bed, on which I lay

I close my eyes…to sleep at night

Somehow he’s here…I feel alright.

He’s gone, he is gone

Don’t know, for how long

Everything, feels wrong

He’s gone, he is gone

Alone again… my absent friend…

As I start….. my lone romance

To the sound of his Stradivarius

I take….. my solo dance…..

But when he’s home… he is home

He takes me in his arms…..

A reassuring smile

I’m captured by his charms

A gentle kiss… a warm embrace…

He walks away… then turns to say….

I love you…. I love you too

My heart skips a beat

Then on repeat… he is gone….he’s gone

He’s gone…. ….. ……

Song No. 10: The Can-Can Can

Men: Girls girls girls…. girls girls girls

Girls girls girls girls girls girls girls

MC: Come on girls, let’s dance and play,

The crowds are here, come in… entré

Wearing top hats and evening attire,

Men and boys, are filled with oh desire

People are fed and drinks they flow,

The music strikes up, it’s time to go

Costumes adorned and makeup applied,

Let’s get the show started, there’s nowhere to hide

All: The atmosphere frantic,

MC: Room filled in anticipation

All: The word and rumour

MC: Has spread across the nation

Can we make this scandalous dance

for every woman, every man, Well If anything can,

the Can-can can, the Can-can can, the Can-can can

All: Girls girls girls…. girls girls girls

Girls girls girls girls girls girls girls

Girls: The atmosphere frantic,

MC: The room filled in anticipation

Girls: The word and rumour

MC: Has spread across the nation

Can we perform this daring dance

For every woman, every man

Well If anything can, the can-can can

All: The can-can can, the can-can can, the can-can can can can can can

MC: As we burst through the curtains there’s a gasp from the crowd

Hear the cheers and the laughter as they all scream out loud

Flying splits and cartwheels, kick those legs high in the air

Wearing crotchless pantalettes, revealing skin if you dare

Risqué and provocative, twists and turns galore

Every dancer shows her talents, for all the men to adore

Rich man’s bulging trousers, cleavage seen from afar

The temperature is rising, for a glimpse of… oo la la

All: Girls girls girls…. girls girls girls

MC/Girls: Girls girls girls girls girls girls girls girls girls girls girls girls girls

Girls: The atmosphere is frantic,

MC: The room fills in anticipation

Girls: The word and the rumour

MC: Has spread across the nation

Can we perform this daring dance,

For every woman, every man

Well If anything can, the can-can can can

All: The can-can can, the can-can can can can can can can-can can,

MC: the can-can can, the can-can can can canes to design. One hundred year’s of theatre, a legacy yours and mine.

Song No. 12: Designs from Life

Frank: Theatre companies come and go.

Singers often steal the show.

Dancers, Comedy, I don’t know…. Will fill my theatre’s.

Opera of the grandest scale, Ballet danced to tell the tale,

Music Hall will never fail…. To fill my theatre’s.

The music carries on, the notes that float upon,

The story has all gone… But my theatre’s are alive.

The scenes we act upon, will fade and soon be gone,

Cause it never lasts that long… But my theatre’s still survive.

Elliston: He’s a man of remarkable vigour, with enthusiasm for life

His imagination and passion, are seen as larger than life

Frank: I see love and beauty in all that I do,

A heartfelt surrender a desire that is true

Drawing inspiration from old and from new

Another masterpiece created, right - on - cue!

As I travel I’m inspired, Britain, Europe, as desired,

Designs from life are all hardwired…. To build my theatre’s

People they may come and go, but what I learn they do not know,

I soak up life, and keep their glow… To build my theatre’s.

Inspirations drawn upon, pulsating heartbeats strong,

I simply carry on. To keep my theatre’s alive

Tranquillity of mind, friendships held sublime,

sense of humour, fun in kind… And my theatre’s still survive.

Elliston & Passengers:

He’s a man of remarkable vigour with enthusiasm for life

His imagination and passion, are seen as larger than life

Frank: I see love and beauty in all that I do,

A heartfelt surrender a desire that is true

Drawing inspiration from old and from new

Another masterpiece created, right - on - cue!

Frank: Achieve a sense of intimacy,

an actor, audience, you and me,

Each designed individually…. To build my theatre’s

French Rococo designs inspired,

Italian Renaissance styles desired,

Romanesque, Baroque all admired…. To build my theatre’s

Holiday sketchbooks filled, Inspirational drawings instilled,

All help to enhance the build…To keep my theatre’s alive

Each venue fully immersed, created with passionate thirst,

As if each theatre is a first… To keep my theatre’s alive

Passengers: He’s a man of remarkable vigour with enthusiasm for life

His imagination and passion, are seen as larger than life

All: I see love and beauty in all that I do,

A heartfelt surrender a desire that is true

Drawing inspiration from old and from new

Frank: Another masterpiece created, right - on - cue!

Song No. 13 - What Does Santa Do On New Year’s Eve?

Children:

Santa Claus, Santa Claus

Turkey, and Chocolate treats are all demolished

With Christmas presents opened and enjoyed

The fireplace is blazing and brass is polished

Father Christmas is now gamely unemployed

As we approach another new year around the corner

We rejoice at all the good things that we receive

But please tell us now dear mama and papa

What does Santa do on New Years Eve?

Santa Claus: (Elliston enters as Santa)

Dear Children I’m utterly exhausted, I simply couldn’t do a thing

I sit in my favourite red armchair, and hear all the children sing

The joy I have from seeing all the little girls and boys

As they play with their presents, and sparkle at their toys

Having travelled the world in just one day, I must now take a pause

With a glass of sherry and mince pie, just call me Santa Clause

Children:

Santa Claus, Santa Claus, a name we love to hear

He comes around but once a year, and fills our house with cheer

Everyone is happy, we all love to dance & sing

Santa Claus, Santa Claus, the slay bells ring a ding ding

All: Everyone is happy, we all love to dance and sing

Santa Claus, Santa Claus, the slay bells ring a ding ding

Song No. 16 - The London Coliseum

Stoll: Designs for a Hackney Empire, are of the utmost care & attention

But I have had a change of heart, needing drastic reinvention.

My plans have changed for Hackney, to be my new London HQ,

Though midway through construction, I need something fresh & new

Matcham: Redesigning Hackney Empire, though it may not be so grand

With endless powers of invention, your wish is my command

Rewritten on tracing paper, a few choice scribbles saves the day

Still wonderfully exuberant, a triumph in every way

Stoll: Now I turn your complete attention, to my greatest theatre plan

My lawyers cleared a daunting tangle, of property & tenancy land

Though dwellings and shops demolished, two stubborn plots remain

We will simply build around them, to secure St Martin’s Lane

Both: The new London Coliseum extravagant splendour sublime.

In a class of its own, unique, an extraordinary kind.

With encyclopaedic visions, turning up the volume dials.

Eclectic mix; Baroque, Romanesque & Louis XIV styles.

Stoll: To build the greatest theatre, the most lavish in London Town.

A budget to match my intentions - £250,000.

We’ll build a theatre of varieties, with luxurious intent.

The country’s finest music hall, ‘people’s palace of entertainment’

Matcham: The interior auditorium will be of alabaster cream and gold,

With plush scarlet seats and carpets extravagantly bold.

Staircases, galleries, walls and roof, made of iron and concrete

A fire resistant theatre with every precaution considered complete

Stoll: I marvel at the sound quality and stage views appeal

Designing your new sloped balconies with cantilevered steel.

Fine restaurants, where bands will play, with tearooms via lifts

Waiting-rooms, free telephones, even shorthand-typists

All: The new London Coliseum extravagant splendour sublime.

In a class of its own, unique, an extraordinary kind.

With encyclopedic visions, turning up the volume dials.

Eclectic mix; Baroque, Romanesque & Louis XIV styles.

Nick: The cavernous auditorium was in such sorry state and care.

Blisteringly hot in summer, with dank carpets all threadbare

Who’d have guessed the giant ceiling rose, with its crusty dark paints.

Within its technical gadgetry, lay such glittering magnificence?

Clare: Voluptuous grandeur emerging from nicotine-stained surfaces worn.

Recreating elaborate lamps and friezes, terracotta-pipets adorned.

The auditorium shines again in deep Roman purples, reds and gold

With marble columns, musical muses, cherubs and slaves so bold.

David: Somehow we’ve increased public space by an impressive 40%

Streamlining its flow, enlarging bars, to Matcham’s original intent.

Recreating a timbered "Dutch" bar at the base of sweeping stairs.

And doubling the number of lavatories, for ladies and their cares .

All: The new London Coliseum extravagant splendour sublime.

In a class of its own, unique, an extraordinary kind.

With encyclopedic visions, turning up the volume dials.

Eclectic mix; Baroque, Romanesque & Louis XIV styles.

Song No. 17 - The Thrill of Life

Maria: It’s been a good life, you must agree, you by my side, it had to be

Years flown by, where did they go, blink of an eye, I do not know

Frank: The fruits, the flowers, the earth, the tree, together strong,

Both: Just you & me

Frank: It’s been a dream, It’s been a show, from first we met, all those years ago.

Together young, we kept the flow, now still as one, how could we know.

Both: The sun, the moon, the sky, the sea, a love so strong,

It had to be.

Maria: The thrill of life, just spent with you, instinctively knowing, just what to do. An eye that glistens, a warm embrace,

Both: The look of love, sketched on your face

The elixir of life, you held the key, when all said and done, you were meant for me. (Instrumental - Violin solo. Frank passes away)

Maria: The fruits, the flowers, the earth, the tree, together strong, just you and me.

The sun, the moon, the sky, the sea, a love so long, it just had to be.

The elixir of life, you held the key, when all said and done, you were meant for me.

Song No. 19: Who Is This Man?

Nick: Who was this genius, who is this man? Clare: Who built these stunning theatre’s all across the land. David: Each entertainment palace, a joy to behold. Henry: From commission to creation, a story to be told. Chorus & Dancers: Who’s Matcham? Frank Matcham. You can’t Match‘im, Frank Matcham.

Jethro: It all starts out in Devon, ambitions to succeed. Mrs Robinson: Then onto London Town, fulfilling growing needs. Oswald: Spectacular new theatre’s, to please the growing crowds. Craftsman: Let's put his name in lights, we all should shout out loud. All: Who’s Matcham? Frank Matcham. You can’t Match‘im, Frank Matcham.

Elliston: Ten thousand drawings found, structures to design. Marias: One hundred year’s of theatre, a legacy yours and mine. Franks: 170 theatre’s, some jewels, & some sublime. Children & Camille: Staging Variety, Ballet, Opera, to last for all time.

All: Who’s Matcham? Frank Matcham. You can’t Match’im, Frank Matcham. You can’t’ Match’im, Matchless Matcham, Magnificent Matcham, Frank Matcham

End of Act 2