The Ideal Gnome Expedition facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Ideal Gnome Expedition |
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| Written by | David Wood |
| Characters | Mr. Fisher, Mr. Wheeler, Chips, Baby Duck |
| Date of premiere | 1980 |
| Place of premiere | Liverpool Playhouse |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | Gnomes |
| Genre | Children's entertainment |
| Official site: http://www.davidwood.org.uk/plays/plays_the_ideal_gnome_exhibition.htm | |
The Ideal Gnome Expedition (also known as Chish 'n' Fips) is a fun British musical play. It was written by David Wood, who created the story, music, and songs.
This play first appeared on stage in 1980. Since then, it has been turned into a TV show. Many theater groups, including those made up of volunteers, have performed it. The story is about two garden gnomes who decide to go on an adventure. They want to find a sunny island for their vacation.
About the Play's Creation
David Wood is a famous writer known for his plays for children. The idea for this play came from William Gaunt, who was in charge of the Liverpool Playhouse theater. He asked David Wood to write it.
When the play was first announced, it was called Chish 'n' Fips. However, as David Wood wrote the story, it ended up not having much to do with that title. So, in 1981, Wood changed the name to the more fitting The Ideal Gnome Exhibition. He got the idea for the new name after reading about a big event called the Ideal Home Exhibition.
Later, when the play became a TV series, the people making the show preferred the original name. So, the TV series, made by Central Independent TV, went back to being called Chish 'n' Fips. In the TV show, the two gnomes live in a garden behind a fish and chips shop.
Story of the Gnomes
The play tells the exciting tale of two garden gnomes named Mr. Fisher and Mr. Wheeler. They live in a garden but dream of seeing the world. They decide to leave their yard and search for a holiday island.
Their journey takes them into a busy town, which is very confusing for gnomes! Luckily, they meet a friendly cat named Chips. Chips helps them find their way through the city. With Chips' help, they eventually reach their island.
The holiday turns out to be different from what they expected. But in the end, both gnomes agree it was the best vacation they had ever had!
Performances and Cast
The Ideal Gnome Expedition has two acts and six different scenes. There are six characters in the play.
Many actors have been part of this play over the years. For example, Clive Mantle once starred in a production. Also, Chris Clarkson played a character named Wacker in a performance directed by David Bown. The Hartley Players, a theater group, brought the play back to the stage in 2010.
