The Curious Quest for the Sandman's Sand
by Jenifer Toksvig, David Perkins

Silver-tongued, zoot-suited deliverer of dreams with a cool jive-talking style. He needs to be a strong singer. This character acts as narrator and ought to be easily distinguishable from the rest of the company, which can be achieved by using either a teacher or an older student for the role. Songs: “The Bed Bug Bop,” “The Sand Jive,” “Stealing the Sand (Gospel Prayer),” “Window Box Hill,” “The Sandman’s Lullaby.”

Beautiful and glamorous, but lacking any real skill in witchcraft, the part requires a brassy style and a powerful voice. A substantial role perhaps best played by a teacher or an older child. Songs: “Jewels,” “The Spell,” “The Itch Calypso.”

The eldest sibling. She is a responsible and sometimes bossy girl. Songs: “The Bed Bug Bop”, “The Sand Jive,” “The Itch Calypso.”

The middle child, feisty and determined. Songs: “The Bed Bug Bop”, “The Sand Jive,” “The Itch Calypso.”

Curious, skeptical and little. And always hungry. Songs: “The Bed Bug Bop”, “The Sand Jive,” “The Itch Calypso.”

(1-4 suggested) – A comedy duo, though the Henchmen may be played by as many as four, and even as a solo. Songs: “Jewels” (They can also sing the chorus part in “The Itch Calypso” if required.)

Kind, caring, and magical, the elderly Monk-Gardener of Window Box Hill has a large speaking and singing part and could be played by a teacher or an older child. Songs: “The Pippitfly.”

Should be cute, perhaps a younger child who is a good dancer and can flutter her eyelashes at the audience appealingly. (Non-singing)

An American Gl, gruff yet friendly. He needs to have a loud voice and a good sense of rhythm for his song. Songs: “Trash Trump Dump.”

A small character role requiring a loud speaking voice and, most importantly, height no greater than Teddy’s. (Non-singing)

of Jesse, Meggie and Teddy (any number) – The opening song can be used to introduce the entire company, or to provide an ensemble number for a group of any size and age.

(any number) – As expressive as possible.

) – sell Cotton Pear (similar to Candy Floss)

The Fly ’n’ Go Round is a carousel with “real” animals called

who fly around the central pole. The Snoodle Werps are ridden by the children, so they could be props similar to hobby horses, or played by bigger children in costume who can give piggy-back rides to Jessie, Meggie and Teddy. There is a

, who attracts people to the ride, and it may be necessary to have children playing

, to hold the Snoodle Werps until the ride begins.

train driver

and

(any number) – These creatures are the perfect role for younger children who will enjoy the chance to make ugly faces. The group can be as large as required.

(any number) – They help Crumblitious to tend Window Box Hill and should be able to hold a simple line of harmony.

(any number) – An optional role in Window Box Hill for non-singing members of the ensemble.

(any number) – A role for children who can sing and march in time.