Smike is a musical about courage and self-belief, adapted from Charles Dickens’ book ‘Nicholas Nickleby’. A passionate English teacher, Mr Nicholls, brings Dickens’ book to life by turning it into a musical for his disinterested class. Smike, a pupil, is inspired by the lessons he learns through this fascinating tale and finds the courage to stand up to his bullies. Since its production on BBC TV, Smike has enjoyed tremendous popularity and been performed thousands of times in the UK and overseas. Suitable for secondary and primary schools and youth groups.
“I first did Smike when i was 12 years old and took the title role, now some 30 years on I am directing and musical directing my own show. The music is still wonderful and has definitely moved with the times.I know i will get a lot of pleasure once again from this fantastic musical.” Neil Mogridge
..it is simply the best school musical ever written..” David Knight, former Headteacher, Tatworth Primary School
“All of our pupils loved both script and music instantly.” John Wright, Director of Music
Song 1: Overture / The Daily Test
Song 2: Doing Things By Numbers
Song 3: Here I Am (Looking For My Name)
Song 4: Stop and Just Think Who You Could Be
Song 5: Instrumental Transition Music
Song 6: We've Got the Youngsters' Interests At Heart
Song 7: Wackford, Fanny, Squeersy and Me
‘Smike was created by EastEnders composer Simon May in collaboration with Roger Holman and Clive Barnett, when Simon and Roger were writing partners and when Simon and Clive were teachers at Kingston Grammar School. The musical was written as a school project and premiered at Surbiton Assembly Rooms in the summer of 1973. It was then mounted as a major BBC TV production in the Christmas of 1973 starring Beryl Reid, Ian Sharrock and Leonard Whiting and has since become a mini classic, licensed by Josef Weinberger Ltd to thousands of schools and amateur drama societies in the UK and overseas. It seems that the musical has never dated and has enjoyed a wide range of different productions with casts of young boys and girls who have all embraced the show to suit their own needs. The main theme of ‘Smike’ is the issue of bullying and the raising of children’s self esteem, and this, combined with a lively and memorable score, is why the show still finds relevance and resonates in today’s world. Please contact us if you are thinking of producing your own version of ‘Smike’ and we will be happy to give you back up and help with your new production of Smike the Musical.