The Marvels of Merlin

Composer: Tim Porter. Opera,1980

This pantomime is based on two early mediaeval manuscripts, one in Latin, the other in Welsh! That might make your heart sink, but the fact is, they were both comic novels of their day. Geoffrey of Monmouth's "History of the Kings of Britain" is full of the stock-in-trade of farce - people are mistaken for one another and jump in and out of each other's beds in time-honoured fashion. As for the Welsh "Culhwch and Olwen", if viewed in a certain way it turns out to be a prototype "Puss in Boots" without the cat (we have, however, supplied the missing animal).

It was the realisation of this last striking parallel that led me to treat the material in pantomime style. Though both the mediaeval authors based their books on ancient Celtic tradition, they saw no reason to approach it with solemn reverence, so neither have I. This is not to say the piece is without its darker shades - but they need only be there for those who seek them.

Tim Porter

Character list

Orchestra

1 recorder (sop/desc/treb) or flute/piccolo
1 oboe
1 clarinet in Bb
1 bassoon
1 horn in F
1 tuba (optional)
2 percussion
2 violins
1 viola
1 cello

Productions

Summer 1981: Tour
Jan 1983: Folk House, Bristol
New Year 1986: Folk House, Bristol