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Goblins Don't Scare Us is the story of young Prince Tristan, whose parents have gone off on a quest and left him, an eleven year old boy, in charge of the kingdom. And then one day an alarming new tutor, Dr Bolgin, arrives, saying that he has been sent by Tristan's parents. He is only about a metre high and has large ears, large feet and a pointed nose. And what do you know, he is accompanied by a whole band of soldiers who look the same! In fact, Prince Tristan is subject to a goblin takeover. Dr Bolgin is aided in his endeavours by the Black Talon, the punning leader of a band of verminous ravens. But Tristan has friends too. One is his beautiful, if difficult, French cat, Madame Minette, who has never been fooled by Dr Bolgin for a moment. She seeks the advice of Theodosius, tawny (owl) at law, on whether she may reveal to Tristran that animals can speak to humans in certain circumstances and so reveal what is going on. Madame Minette and Theodosius help Tristan in his double struggle, both with the goblins and the bad side of his own nature. Tristan is further assisted, after a fashion, by an absent minded witch and Percival, a nervous and clumsy pigeon, who in many ways turns out to be the real hero of this story.
Goblins Don't Scare Us was first written by Nigel Osner as a children's book Magic in Ravenswood
It was highly praised by Naomi Mitchison in the Times Educational Supplement at the time of publication:
All the characters are well-defined --- There is enough irony to give it strength to deal with a traditional situation without going soft or silly
Nigel has now turned Goblins Don't Scare Us into a musical. He wrote the book and the lyrics. The music was composed by BB Cooper www.artfieldmusic.com. Goblins Don't Scare Us had a successful showcase performance at the Bridewell Theatre. The performers included Cheryl Kennedy, Ian Lavender, Toni Palmer and Derek Smith. It was featured in the Greenwich Musical Futures Festival at the Greenwich Theatre in 2001.
It had its world premiere, directed by Pat Garrett, at the New End Theatre, Hampstead, London NW3 between 17 December 2002 and 11 January 2003.
Press Comments:
CRITICS' CHOICE The Times
This beguiling tale of bewitchment set in the distant kingdom of Ravenswood is certainly welcome in the midst of Cinderellas, Aladdins and Dick Whittingtons. It is refreshing to find a show inhabiting a more unfamiliar world. This one, based on Nigel Osners childrens book Magic in Ravenswood , which the author has adapted himself for this stage version - is captivatingly conjured. Mark Shenton The Stage.
The most important factor in judging any Christmas show like this is of course the kids verdict. This show succeeded in keeping a class of eight-year-olds quietly gripped, with the occasional genuine burst of laughter. Roland Lloyd Parry The Hampstead and Highgate Express
His show, with music by BB Cooper, has been delighting children, telling the story of a prince trying to judge the difference between right and wrong. In the wings, Camden New Journal
Main characters in order of appearance
Percival, an unimpressive looking pigeon
Tristan, a lonely Prince
Madame Minette, an elegant French cat
Theodosius, a tawny owl and a distinguished lawyer
The Witch, who lives in the forest
Dr Bolgin, the Prince's unusual tutor
The Black Talon, the leader of a gang of ravens
Other characters include footmen, soldiers, goblins and ravens
The action takes place one November in a distant kingdom some time ago.
