Caroline - a musical play based on the life and times of Caroline Chisholm

The Story 

Caroline has been prepared especially for the Secondary School production.  Teachers and educationalists alike have praised this musical for its entertaining qualities and ability to involve students of all interests and skills.  This story of the “Lady on the five dollar note” is set in Sydney between the years 1840 and 1854 and provides ample chorus work for citizens, government officials, miners, camp followers, immigrant wives and settlers.  Apart from Caroline, Archibald, Flora and Tom, all the other characters may be doubled by cast members according to the size of the company.  The musical should have a continuing look about it – wherever possible each scene should almost overlap the previous one. It is easier to create this effect by not attempting to have solid sets and furniture. 

 

Act 1

1 Outside and Inside Petty’s Hotel  

2 Caroline’s Vow and Archibald   

3 The Party     

4 Interview With Governor Gipps (1)  

5 The Priest Calls     

6 Interview with Governor Gipps (2)  

7 Outside and Inside Petty’s Hotel   

8 Interview with Governor Gipps (3)  

9 On the Road     

10 The Chisholm Home    

11 Select Committee

 

Act 2

12 Packing – The Chisholm Home

13 New Found Freedom - London

14 Visit to Earl Grey (1)

15 Search for Ann

16 Visit to Earl Grey (2)

17 Caroline’s London Home

18 Caroline Confronts Lang

19 Come Emigrate

20 Call of the Gold

21 Finale - Montage

 

 

Principal Characters

Caroline Chisholm

Captain Archibald Chisholm

Flora

Tom Shepherd

Ann Shepherd

Governor Gipps 

Lady Gipps

Dr John Lang

Earl Lang

Earl Grey’s Aide

A Priest