The Mighty Quill
Ever thought of putting on a historic musical, but didn’t know where to start, then this page is for you.
Done with Joseph? Then try Gerald of Wales!
The Mighty Quill is a musical that was commissioned for the Andrew Lloyd Webber Heritage Angel Awards. It’s a light-hearted tale of Gerald of Wales, that provides a vivid reflection of medieval Wales.
Use our free resources — the score, libretto and more to put on your own performance, in part or whole, or as a stimulus for themes and projects. You can even create your very own medieval puppet theatre.
If you’re ready to stage your own Mighty Quill then please get in touch with us and we’ll send you everything you need!
Email: cadw.education@gov.wales
We look forward to seeing your productions — lights, cameras, action!
The Mighty Quill is a musical which was commissioned by Cadw’s Lifelong Learning Team for the Andrew Lloyd Webber Heritage Angel Awards at Caerphilly Castle.
The purpose of the project was to represent creativity and talent from young people in Wales in response to their heritage and culture. The musical was performed by A Level students at the ceremony, at Theatr Clwyd and at the Urdd and National Eisteddfods.
The score was created by award winning composer, Tim Heeley and the book and libretto is by Claire and Adam Tranmer.
The Mighty Quill is an entertaining and light-hearted tale of Gerald of Wales, a medieval clergyman, descended from the last king of south Wales, royal clerk, chronicler, and a scholar who was widely travelled and who recorded the first ever journey around Wales. His detailed observations are a rich source of 12th century history and they are a vivid reflection of medieval Wales.
The score and libretto and accompanying audio files are now available for everyone to use, as a performance, either partially or in whole, or as a stimulus for themes and projects. The resources are cross curricular and meet the Four Purposes, as well as AOLE Expressive Arts and Humanities.
There are accompanying resources for younger children inspired by The Mighty Quill. These include a series of instructional videos, accompanied by The Mighty Quill music, which show you how to create your very own medieval puppet theatre.
1. The overture
2. The pledge
2. The pledge with vocals
3. Link
4. Gerald
4. Gerald with vocals
