The Likes of Us


The Likes of Us is a musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The original book was by Leslie Thomas. It is based on the true story of Thomas John Barnardo, a philanthropist who founded homes for destitute children. During his lifetime, nearly 60,000 children were rescued and provided with training that prepared them to be self-sufficient.

Background

Although the musical, the first for both Rice and Lloyd Webber, was composed in 1965, it failed to find backing and was not performed until it was staged at Lloyd Webber's Sydmonton Festival on 9 July 2005.
Amateur rights have since been released. The first amateur company to perform The Likes of Us was Cornish-based youth theatre company Kidz R Us in early 2009.

Synopsis

At the Edinburgh Castle Gin Palace, a drinking establishment in the East End of London, a local girl, who is on very familiar terms with the male clientele, sings of her exploits. The intellectual and driven Barnardo finds himself out of place with the Cockneys of the Edinburgh Castle, and a row among them ensues. As a result, Barnardo is thrown out of the tavern, as is Syrie Elmslie, who was attempting to collect money for charity. Outside the tavern, Johnny Farthingay, the son of the landlady, assures his girlfriend Jenny that although he can't buy her expensive presents, their love will keep them together. Jenny is a bit more cynical.
Barnardo reflects on the course his life is taking. While wandering London's streets, he encounters two homeless children who take him to the rooftops where they live, and it is there Barnardo learns of their struggle to survive. Barnardo is troubled by the conditions in which the children live. He decides he is needed far more in his own country than in China and resolves to stay in London to help the poor children. Unfortunately, his efforts to help only serve to stir a sense of outrage in the local populace who feel he is meddling in their affairs.
Undaunted, Barnardo seeks the aid of Lord Shaftesbury. He accepts that his chosen mission will isolate him spiritually from those around him. Lord Shaftesbury is hosting a party in his home, at which Barnardo's fellow pub evictee Syrie also is a guest. Everyone joins in to sing the praises of England. Lord Shaftesbury is won over by Barnardo and visits the children with him. Syrie also joins Barnardo's cause, and he is able to set up his first children's home, where he and Syrie care for the children.
The tide turns, and Barnardo becomes overwrought with financial worries when he is sued for fraud. To make matters worse, a boy he was unable to help dies. Barnardo is in a state of despair, not knowing what will become of him, and the East End denizens hold an anti-Barnardo demonstration. Johnny and Jenny argue about their differing views of Barnardo. Johnny abandons Jenny, and Syrie attempts to console her.
Barnardo's fortunes take a dramatic turn for the better. When the Edinburgh Castle is placed up for auction, he decides to buy it, as his ownership will serve to silence his detractors, and the building can be converted to further his cause. Barnardo and Syrie marry. Their union provides the spark for two of the children to pretend they too will be a couple. The wedding reception is held in Barnardo's new property, which has been converted into a tea and coffee establishment. Barnardo and Syrie put the children to bed.

Principal characters

;Act I
;Act II
In 2005, a special performance to mark 40 years since Lloyd Webber and Rice's collaboration on this show, their first together, was staged at the composer's annual Sydmonton Festival, where he tries out new works for a specially-invited audience. Stephen Fry narrated the piece with Rice as Auctioneer. Hannah Waddingham and Adam Brazier also appeared. The performance was recorded live and released as a double album by Really Useful Records and Polydor.

Tracklisting

;Disc One
;Disc Two