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A Bunch of Ratbags

(Various) (RNBW033)

Original 2005 Australian Cast with Lyall Brooks, Jessica Enes, Zen Ledden, Nikki Minster, Ben Nicholas, Liam Pedersen, Abi Richardson, Gregory Ross, Steve Simmons, Louise Van Veebebdaal.

Premiere recording of this ground-breaking Australian musical which was the first musical to put a rock band in the pit. A funny, abrasive and confronting look at the teenage Bodgie and Widgie gangs of the late 50s in inner city Melbourne. With its themes of social belonging and acceptance, and the struggle of a generation of youth to find its place in society, the show is as relevant today as it was in 1966 when it first opened at the late lamented Emerald Hill Theatre. Written by Australia’s most prolific musical duo, Peter Pinne and Don Battye, this new recording of the Magnormos Musical Theatre Reading in July 2005, features a top-class ensemble cast who bring this eclectic score, that mixes rock ‘n’ roll, music-hall and big ballads, to exuberant life.

“ I haven’t had so good a time at a musical all year… a classic. ”
Owen Richardson, Sunday Age

“ ... very, very catchy and bouncy... energetic and well-done... I like the youthful energy of the cast, as well as some of the characterful lyrics and above all, the very strong, unpretentious melodies.”
Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway

“... a very enjoyable recording... some bouncy, yet poignant songs.”
Spotlight on Musicals

“... bright 'n' breezy and earthy musicalization of William Dick's novel.”
Bob Crimeen, Herald Sun

“All concerned should be congratulated for a long-overdue recording of a splendid home-grown musical.”
Jim Murphy, The Age

“...great ensemble cast... preserves the brilliant score, which deftly mixes rock'n'roll, music-hall and big ballads.”
Frank Van Straten, On Stage

Buy

Tracks:
To hear a song sample, click on any song title below that is followed by

Act One:

  1. Terry Cooke – Company
  2. Goodway – Abi Richardson, Gregory Ross, Liam Pedersen
  3. A Mason or A Mick – Gregory Ross, Lyall Brooks
  4. Make A Quid – Liam Pedersen, Ben Nicholas
  5. A House With Carpet On The Floor – Abi Richardson
  6. He’s A Prawn – Liam Pedersen, Ben Nicholas, Steve Simmons, Zen Ledden
  7. It’s His Widgie – Jessica Enes, Louise Van Veenendaal
  8. Sat’dee Night (Bashing Poofters In The Park) – Liam Pedersen, Ben Nicholas, Steve Simmons, Zen Ledden
  9. Wake Up Little Boy – Nikki Minster
  10. There Ain’t A Thing In The World – Liam Pedersen/Terry Cooke (Reprise) – Company
  11. Cold World – Liam Perdersen, Company

Act Two:

  1. We’re Goin’ Out Tonight – Liam Pedersen, Ben Nicholas, Steve Simmons, Zen Ledden
  2. Old Times – Abi Richardson, Gregory Ross
  3. The Moment I Saw Her – Liam Pedersen, Nikki Minster
  4. The Wedding Song (I’ve Been And Gone And Got Her Up The Duff) – Ben Nicholas, Company
  5. Where Do I Go From Here? – Liam Pedersen
  6. Kenny Black/Finale – Company
  7. We’re Goin’ Out Tonight (Reprise)

Musical Director/Sequencing: David Piper
Producer/Director: Aaron Joyner

Other Bayview albums with songs by Peter Pinne and Don Battye include:

All The Colors Of The Rainbow (RNBW001) Studio Cast
Musicals From The Land Of Oz (RNBW012) Original/Studio Cast

Also check out the following at www.dresscircle.co.uk and www.middle8.com

Caroline (Dress CD001) Original Australian Cast
Prisoner Cell Block H – The Musical (Dress CD002) Studio Cast

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© 2005 Bayview Record Company