The Sundowe
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The Sundowe is a musical written by Edinburgh based writers and performers John, James and Gerry Kielty and featuring their band The Martians.
Originally developed as a radio show, and later as a television pilot, The Sundowe eventually became the basis for a modern musical.
The storyline centres on The Martians themselves, as their street busking is interrupted by vampires, the local council and the return of dead souls. The musical is part comedy, part pathos, and includes references to modern Scottish politics, Greyfriars Bobby, street busking and ancient Scottish history.
Characters aside from The Martians include:
- "Dougal Roothby", the ancient, decrepit and vastly overworked Minister For Ancient Customs And Legalities.
- "Erich & Klaus" Two vampires awoken from their long sleep by the Martians' music, thirsty for blood but aware that the buskers may be their salvation.
- "The Jailer", a confused policeman with a penchant for Hollywood disaster movies.
"The Sundowe" was entered into the "Highland Quest For A New Musical" competition in early 2006, and was announced as the winner in July 2006. It will be produced as a full stage musical, with the world premiere being held at the new Eden Court theatre in Inverness, Scotland in late 2007. Cameron Mackintosh, of Cats and Les Miserables fame, will be producing. Following a two week run at Eden court it will tour the Scottish Highlands, and further performances throughout Scotland, Britain and the rest of the world are possible.
It has been described as "Shaun of the Dead" meets "Thriller", and draws influence from cult science fiction such as Doctor Who and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (musical episode)
