The Inside Story, an ecological musical by the British author of Beowulf, is set in a zoo and focuses on mankind's carelessness and indifference to our future. In Act I the humans watch animals use song or dance to express their sadness and anger concerning the loss of their freedom. In Act II the humans take offense when the animals begin to stare back at them for rudeness and littering. Uncaring secret agents try to suppress a book with this quote: "Men will never rest till they've spoiled the earth and destroyed the animals..." The theme is that there is one world in which humans must learn to live in harmony with nature without destroying it.

From the author: Although it has a serious message, the emphasis should be on fun and energy. You have no need for complicated scenery; a bare stage with a few blocks can suffice. One of the major sources of fun comes from pointing up the similarities between humans and animals and this can be achieved by imaginative costuming. I once saw a production in which not only were the penguins dressed as tap dancers in dinner jackets and the flamingoes as ballet dancers but the reptiles appeared like Olympic swimmers and the punks had hairstyles like the raucous birds.

The Inside Story is a very flexible show which can be presented in many ways. The 2-act, under 2 hours, can be cut effectively to a 1-act of less than an hour. The 1-act version can be achieved by making a selection of dialogue and songs built around the idea that Doris and Rose are really dreaming after their duet. A detailed breakdown of the construction of the 1-act version is given in the Production Notes at the end of the play. Directors are encouraged to improvise certain sections in the show, and these are indicated in the script. Get your cast to find out about endangered species of wildlife and feed these facts into the improvised sections. Many organizations concerned with the environment and the threats to wildlife publish information packs, and they may well take an interest in your production. The final song, "One World," provides a focus for all who care about the future of our planet; and a few telling facts gleaned from the latest research can easily be inserted in the short sections of the show where improvisation is suggested. For example, a recent report from Zambia states that "from a population of 500 two years ago, they now have no more than 20 northern white rhinos left."

Premiered by the London College of Dance in Bedford, England, nearly all the songs in this show are intended to provide an opportunity for imaginative dancing. The important thing is to base the choreography on the movement qualities of the particular animals. If you are not a great choreographer, don't worry...just use simple ideas inspired by the tunes and the animals!

Other Pickering plays: Ring of Lead, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

See also: Environmental Plays